I’ve thought a lot about the Posh Problem Posse question of painting my shoes. On Saturday, I ran after it rained. I discovered that I had worn a hole in my right shoe. (Yuck, I discovered this while running. Wet socks are gross!) Yay! New shoes.
I sent the following email to Kate for the Posh Problem Posse. I wanted them to know how much I value their feedback about my safety, running, and shoes.
From: Jill Gough
Date: Sunday, February 3, 2013 5:36 PM
To: Kate Burton
Cc: Maryellen Berry
Subject: Dear Posh Problem PosseDear Posh Problem Posse,After 145.8 miles, I had to retire my Lance Armstrong running shoes. I discovered – the hard way – a hole in the bottom of the right shoe. Your guidance and good questions helped me select my new shoes. Thank you. I cannot wait for you to see them and give me your thoughts.As you can see from the attached photo, they have some serious neon colors per your suggestions.I’ll be in Dallas this Friday when we meet, but I hope to Skype with you again. I will leave my vest and wire with Ms. Burton so you can work on my illumination.Thanks!JGough
My intent was to let these young learner-problem-solvers know that I was listening and taking them seriously. What would they do with the above information? I had no learning targets or outcomes planned. I hoped they would take it as positive feedback.
Imagine my surprise and delight upon receiving the following email after school Monday.
From: K
Date: Monday, February 4, 2013 5:16 PM
To: Jill Gough
Subject: ShoesI have thought about your problem and have come to a conclusion. My mom just ran a marathon and her shoes of choice were Asics. She has always used these and has never used Nike. I have done some research and they are dramatically less expensive without losing any quality. I also may I add that the shoe you see there is NOT custom colored. In fact, if you go to their website, http://www.asicsamerica.com/Footwear/Running-Shoes/ all their shoes are bright and neon. Also, because they are centered only on shoes they are typically better. They are great for any foot shape or size and have so many choices. I used to have Asics, but have just gotten a new pair of Nikes. I wish I hadn’t changed I loved my Asics. So now I have to wait and grow out of these before I can go back.
Other brands
saucony– more for racers and focused more on how light they can make a shoe for your running you want something with more support
Newtons – I think they are a bit trumped-up I looked at their website and it had things such as performance, or gravity but they all looked exactly the same I’m not to sure they are all that great however I must say I have never worn them.
karhu- if you want to run with style I do not suggest these they look like little nurse lady shoes with neon colorsI have found not to let the colors or the advertisement under sell you on a pair. Just imagine the shoe completely white and think is this really a good shoe. Look mostly at the sole, the support, and the materials. I strongly advise not to get any with a foam bottom unless there is a thick covering of tread and rubber on top or you will wear them out like your old pair. But most of all look at heel support and the width of the shoe and know how wide your foot is. Don’t go against buying an expensive pair, because I assure you the cheapest will make up in surgery and doctor visit expenses. Also, because you run it the dark I advise lots of tread that will prevent your feet from sliding. If you have any questions just ask. K
Isn’t K’s reply great? Aren’t these awesome connections she’s making? How often do we use our research skills to serve others?
I absolutely love how relational her email is. K connects me to her mother. K shows she knows me with her comment about the karhu shoes. Wow! “If you want to run with style I do not suggest these they look like little nurse lady shoes with neon colors.” She knows me well.
How much can and will our young learners research, do, and learn when we allow them to direct their learning and problem-solving?
Experiments in Learning by Doing 