Category: Education

Book Week Magic: How Teachers and Stories Shape Lifelong Learners

This morning, I had the joy of starting my day at my son’s school, watching him and his friends parade around as a myriad of book heroes. From Harry Potter to Cristiano Ronaldo, numerous Marvel superheroes (including my son as Iron Man), Stick Man, Sherlock Holmes, Maverick from Top Gun, and pretty much everything in between, the excitement in the air was palpable. Book Week is a time when stories leap off the pages and come to life, transforming schools into a vibrant celebration of imagination and learning.

The Origins and Intentions of Book Week

  • Global Celebration: Book Week began right here in Australia in 1945, initiated by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), but similar events are celebrated worldwide, each with its unique flair. For example, in the UK, where my brother teaches, they also have Book Week, focusing on local authors and encouraging children to explore British literature.
  • Encouraging Lifelong Reading: The purpose of Book Week is to instil a lifelong love of reading in children, encouraging them to explore new worlds, ideas, and perspectives through literature.
  • Building Skills for Life: Reading helps children develop critical thinking, empathy, and creativity—skills that are essential not only for academic success but also for navigating the complexities of life.
  • Themed Celebrations: Each year, Book Week has a specific theme (The theme for 2024 is Reading Is Magic), encouraging children and teachers to explore new ideas and stories in creative ways.

The Role of Teachers: Heroes in Disguise

One of the most remarkable aspects of Book Week is the dedication of teachers who go the extra mile to make it special. My brother, a primary school teacher in Plymouth, exemplifies this by dressing up as characters like Fantastic Mr. Fox, bringing stories to life for his students. But he’s not alone. Teachers around the world step into character during Book Week, transforming themselves into beloved figures from literature to spark joy and curiosity in their students.

These educators are the unsung heroes who play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading in children. Their creativity and enthusiasm do more than entertain; they create lasting memories that inspire a passion for learning. Imagine the impact on a child when they see their teacher, usually a figure of authority, embodying the whimsy and wonder of a favourite character. These experiences help children see the joy in books, making reading a treasured activity that stays with them throughout their lives.

Salesforce: A Company of Storytellers

At Salesforce, where I work, the ethos of storytelling and learning is deeply embedded in our culture. We believe that stories are a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and innovation. We actively use stories to build relationships with clients and partners, just as teachers use them to inspire students. The passion for reading and continuous learning that begins in childhood is something we carry forward into our professional lives, where it fuels our creativity and drives our success.

Many organisations recognise the power of storytelling, but at Salesforce, it’s an integral part of how we operate. Storytelling fosters connection, understanding, and innovation, enabling us to build strong relationships with our clients and partners, just like teachers do with their students. This shared passion for reading and learning, cultivated from a young age, is something that shapes our culture and success.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate Book Week, let’s take a moment to thank the educators who have made a difference in our lives. Whether it’s a teacher who dressed up as Fantastic Mr. Fox or one who simply shared a book that changed your perspective, these individuals play a vital role in shaping our futures.

I invite you to share the story of someone who inspired your passion for learning. Reflect on how their influence has shaped your life, and consider how you can pass that love of learning on to others. Let’s celebrate the power of stories, whether they’re told in the classroom or in the boardroom, and honour those who first taught us their magic.

Inspiring the Future Through Early Mathematics and AI 🌟

This morning, my 4-year-olds first words on waking were literally solving a simple maths problem and asking for help with another. Alongside being confirmation that he is definitely my son (my mother tells me I was calculating the size of our bathroom by counting and multiplying the bath tiles above the bath when I was a toddler), moments like these remind me of the boundless potential in our young minds and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

Mathematics is more than just numbers; it’s a gateway to understanding and shaping the world around us. As Australia prepares to host the 15th International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME-15) in Sydney this July, there’s a strong emphasis on updating our maths curriculum to include problem-solving and data analysis. These changes aim to equip students with essential 21st-century skills, ensuring they’re ready for a digital and data-driven world.

At Salesforce, we’re leveraging data and AI to transform how businesses operate. From data-driven decision-making to automation, these technologies are at the core of what we do. This innovation not only empowers businesses but also highlights the growing importance of these skills for future careers.

For parents and educators, fostering a love for maths from an early age can set the stage for lifelong learning. Here are some fun and age-appropriate maths activities you can try at home:

  • Counting and Sorting: Use everyday objects like toys or snacks to help your child practice counting and sorting by different attributes (colour, size, etc.).
  • Patterns and Shapes: Create patterns using blocks or draw shapes and encourage your child to identify and replicate them.
  • Basic Graphs: Track simple data like daily weather or family activities and create basic charts to visualise the information. It’s a fun way to introduce the concept of data representation.

Salesforce supports STEM education through various initiatives and resources for educators. Check out our Education Summit and the Salesforce Foundation to see how we’re partnering with educational institutions to build the workforce of the future.

By nurturing curiosity and a love for numbers in our children, we’re laying the foundation for their success in an increasingly digital world. The future is bright, and it all adds up with the right start in mathematics.

“The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma – Own Your Morning, Elevate Your Life?

Robin Sharma’s “The 5 AM Club” weaves a fictional narrative to convey its self-help principles, featuring an entrepreneur and an artist guided by an eccentric billionaire to unlock the power of waking up early. This novel approach, both a strength and a weakness, makes it ideal for those seeking to enhance productivity and establish stronger daily routines.

The Story: Creative but Overstated

While the narrative is a creative way to present the book’s messages, it often teeters on the edge of being overly sentimental and unrealistic. The characters can feel more like caricatures designed to serve the book’s lessons rather than genuine people. Sharma’s frequent use of motivational quotes, while inspiring, sometimes detracts from the story’s authenticity, leading to a feeling of the book being more of a lecture than a story.

As the billionaire in the book puts it, “Own your morning. Elevate your life,” encapsulates the central theme but also highlights the sometimes preachy tone.

Practical Takeaways

The book’s appeal lies in its actionable advice, tailored for those looking to revolutionize their morning routines to gain a competitive edge in their personal and professional lives:

The 20/20/20 Formula:

  • 20 Minutes of Movement: “Exercise is as much a cognitive activity as a physical one.”
  • 20 Minutes of Reflection: “Reflection is to the soul as food is to the body.”
  • 20 Minutes of Learning: “To double your net worth, double your self-worth. Because you will never exceed the height of your self-image.”

Habit Stacking:

    • Integrating new habits with existing ones can simplify the adoption of a morning routine.

    The Importance of Sleep:

      • The book underscores the necessity of sleep with the reminder, “Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

      Digital Detox:

        • Reducing electronic distractions can enhance sleep quality and focus, a point well-made but not heavily backed by cited research.

        Daily Gratitude:

          • “Gratitude is the single fastest way to increase your well-being.” This is a powerful reminder of the psychological benefits of gratitude.

          Scientific Backing

          The book occasionally references psychological and physiological benefits supported by research, though these mentions are sparse. Including more scientific backing could strengthen the credibility of Sharma’s claims and provide readers with a more grounded understanding of why these practices work.

          Final Thoughts

          “The 5 AM Club” is an inspirational guide packed with practical advice for those looking to improve their mornings and, by extension, their lives. While the narrative might be too embellished for some, the core principles are universally beneficial. I’m considering testing out the 5 AM routine myself and would appreciate hearing from others who have tried it. What are the tangible benefits or drawbacks you’ve noticed? Whether you fully commit to the club or just integrate parts of the philosophy, Sharma’s strategies are likely to spark positive changes.

          The Compounding Interest of Continuous Learning: A Million-Dollar Decision

          Introduction

          Imagine you’re on a game show, and the host, who’s definitely not wearing a sparkly suit, presents you with a choice. Option one: a suitcase stuffed with a million dollars, which could buy you a lifetime supply of avocado toast or, if you’re feeling fancy, a small island. Option two: a penny that doubles in value every day for a month.

          At first it seems like a no-brainer and many people will chose the million dollars. But, by day 31, that penny turns into a staggering $10,737,418.24! It’s like a financial Cinderella story, minus the glass slippers. This scenario, straight out of Daniel Pink’s ‘The Power of Regret’, isn’t just a cool party trick. It’s a vivid illustration of the power of compounding, as magical in finance as finding extra fries at the bottom of your takeout bag.

          But what if we applied this principle to learning and education? Imagine your brain as that penny, doubling in knowledge, skills, and possibly charm. How does this financial wizardry translate into a lifetime of learning? Let’s dive in, no calculator needed!

          Sports Psychology, MBA, and Sales: A Compounding Trilogy

          As I’ve chronicled before, my journey weaves together sports psychology and an MBA into a successful sales career. This blend shows how diverse skills, when combined, can revolutionise fields. The fusion of sports psychology and business principles, like teamwork and resilience, demonstrates their universal applicability.

          Cross-Application of Skills in Diverse Fields

          • Military to Corporate Leadership: Veterans transition into corporate roles, their leadership and strategic skills becoming invaluable in business settings.
          • Arts to Technology: Artists and musicians often excel in tech roles, bringing unique problem-solving skills. Their creative perspectives drive innovation in technology.
          • Teaching to Marketing: Educators moving into marketing bring invaluable skills in communication and audience engagement. They excel in devising compelling marketing strategies.

          Thought Leadership Insights

          Scott Adams talks about ‘skill stacking’, the idea of combining average skills to create a unique set. Success often stems from this unique combination rather than excellence in a single skill.

          “Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of success.”

          Angela Duckworth, in ‘Grit’, emphasises the power of passion and perseverance across different fields.

          “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.”

          Carol Dweck discusses the ‘Growth Mindset’, highlighting the importance of embracing challenges and persisting in setbacks.

          “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

          Salesforce and Continuous Learning: A Culture of Growth and Innovation

          At Salesforce, continuous learning is integral to our culture, embodied by our Trailhead platform. This innovative approach to professional development epitomises continuous growth.

          Trailhead: Gamifying the Learning Experience

          • Personalized Learning Paths: Trailhead’s tailored approach mirrors the compounding effect of knowledge.
          • Interactive Modules: Users actively apply information, reinforcing skills in real-world scenarios.
          • Gamification Elements: The platform’s motivating elements encourage continuous skill advancement.
          • Community and Collaboration: Trailhead fosters a collaborative learning environment, reflecting the workplace’s collaborative nature.

          Practical Application: Building a High-Performing Sales Team

          Applying principles from sports, like scouting talent and fostering teamwork, is akin to investing in that penny. These strategies create a resilient, adaptable, and high-performing sales team.

          Conclusion

          So, there you stand at life’s crossroads, with a million-dollar question: Do you grab the million dollars, or do you bet on the humble penny that quietly multiplies in the background? While the million might scream instant gratification, the penny is the unsung hero of this story, symbolizing the extraordinary power and potential of continuous learning.

          Embarking on this journey isn’t just about making a choice; it’s about embracing a lifestyle. Here’s how you can dive in:

          • Leverage Learning Platforms: Think of platforms like Salesforce’s Trailhead, Coursera, or Khan Academy as your personal gym for the brain.
          • Set Small, Achievable Goals: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a well-rounded intellect. Set bite-sized goals – they’re like the breadcrumbs leading you through the forest of knowledge.
          • Apply Your Knowledge: Take your newfound skills for a test drive in the real world. It’s like learning to cook; you can’t just read the recipe – you have to get in the kitchen and make a few messes!
          • Stay Curious: Keep the flame of curiosity alive. Let your inquisitive nature lead you to new and exciting intellectual territories.
          • Reflect and Journal: Keep a diary of your learning adventures. It’s not just a log of your journey; it’s the map that shows how far you’ve come and guides where you’re heading next.

          As you start on this path, remember that your knowledge and skills have the potential to grow beyond your wildest dreams, much like our legendary penny. In the marketplace of life, continuous learning is the currency that never devalues. So go ahead, bet on yourself and your ability to learn and grow. After all, who needs a suitcase of cash when you’ve got a brain that can outgrow it?

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