It is that time of year—Celebrations of Learning are occurring across our TfT school network. Kristin VanWieren, TfT Director and Instructional Coach at Byron Center Christian School, shares how their TfT site visit from last year catalyzed a Celebration of Learning this year . . . for teachers! Choosing one of the TfT goals from the site visit, each teacher created a presentation to share that invited colleagues to explore how this goal came alive in their classroom this year. Gain a glimpse into this story of an effective staff celebration of learning.

“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps. 19:1). The Deep Hope of Kelly Joos, biology teacher at Lansing Christian School, is that her students “would hear the heavens, join the heavens, and bring Heaven.” As the students study ecology, photosynthesis and respiration, viruses and bacteria, they focus on water. Students have opportunities throughout the semester to “bring Heaven” as they participate in scientific research and service by performing water quality tests at a nearby creek, participating in a Lake Michigan microplastic survey, and partnering with World Vision to provide clean water to those who currently do not have access. You are able to glimpse this work by accessing last year’s completed Storyboard and this year’s evolving Storyboard. Student reflections also contribute to a devotional book that they make throughout the year.

As we see in Kelly’s story above, the classroom storyboard serves as a map of the learning journey within God’s story. Check out this week’s tips for ideas on how to capitalize on the storyboard as a tool that facilitates student reflection and explicitly connects the TfT practices.