Make statistics come alive with these (Misty's Newsletter)

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Dear Reader,

Thank you for inviting me into your inbox to spark a dialogue about inquiry teaching and learning towards agency, artistry, and understanding.:) If you are new here: Welcome!

As you may know, I recently returned home from 18 days in Europe. It was a transformative time for me. This newsletter's content begins the sequence of share-outs from the amazing educators I met while away.

πŸ‘‰ This month I'm sharing an idea from my study week in Reggio Emilia. I think it's simply brilliant for Social Studies but could be used in any subject. You'll find all the details in the Y and O sections below.

Y stands for Youth:

This section features a person, project, organization, that inspires youth to thrive.

O stands for Offering:

Here’s where I share free resources, practical tips or prompts.

U stands for Uplifting:

We’ll wrap up with an uplifting quote or song to leave you feeling great-- after all, it’s good to feel good!


Youth inspire Remida:

I had the pleasure of visiting an inspiring place where Reggio Emilia teachers get their salvaged supplies. It's a big warehouse called REMIDA. Established in 1996 in Reggio Emilia, Remida "is a cultural project focused on sustainability, creativity, and research on waste materials. It fosters the idea that waste materials, the imperfect, are holders of an ethical message, able to stir reflections, which aim to be an educational resource, thus avoiding the definition of β€œuseless” and 'waste'" (remida.org/english).

As a fan of renovating concepts towards more inclusive, holistic, and healing aims, I absolutely love Remida's mission. It really got me thinking: As teachers of global citizens, how might (re)cognizing waste materials into learning resources create a more sustainable future for all of us?

πŸ‘‰ Learn more about Remida here​

Offerings that ignite: "Pop-Up" Statistics with Salvaged Materials

Have you ever thought to pair a statistic with found materials to invite inquiry and meaning-making? I hadn't until I saw it firsthand at Remida!

πŸ‘‰ Here's one way to bring statistics to life with found objects:

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πŸ‘‰ Invite students to match materials and statistics: Bring a collection of salvaged goods into the classroom and invite students to pair the objects with SDG goals. What connections and questions might emerge as a result? Don't have objects handy? No problem: Project these two images below and ask: Which SDG goal would you pair with this image? What makes you say that?

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πŸ‘‰ And if you're looking for open, in-person events, here are two options coming soon!

Let's gather with Inquiry friends in Vancouver :)

Let's gather with Inquiry friends in Connecticut :)

Got questions or want to chat about Inquiry? As always, your engagement informs these newsletters. I love to hear from you! πŸ’“ Want to connect with a larger community? Post your ideas, practice, and questions on social using the icons below.

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Uplifting quote + song that illuminates:

Read and listen to this quote and song to inspire inquiry:​
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"Inquiry is a life-long preparedness to change our minds, to listen to those whose ways of seeing, thinking and feeling are very different to our own and to remain curious, open-minded and open-hearted as we encounter even the most challenging perspectives.." -Kath Murdoch (read the article here)

Inspiring Song:

Upside Down by Jack Johnson

Favourite lyrics:

Who's to say what's impossible
Well, they forgot this world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
And as the surface breaks, reflections fade
But in some ways, they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There's no stopping curiosity

I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just can't be found


Here's to inquiring together Reader,

Hi! I'm Dr. Misty :)

YOU News is a monthly note grounded in a simple belief: wellbeing grows from meaning. πŸ‘‰ You'll get clear answers about teacher wellbeing, practical ways to deepen collaboration with colleagues, and hands-on moves for meaningful inquiry with students. Together, we'll support learning that sustains both educators and learners. Delivered straight to your inbox. πŸ’›