About ten years ago, I was observing Blaine Ray as he taught storytelling classes on a snowy winter day at East High School in Denver. A group of teachers had come from around Colorado to follow Blaine around from room to room. In the corner of each room I kept noticing a big guy with a big cowboy hat on. It was Bryce Hedstrom.
Then, rooming with Bryce that summer at a TPRS workshop in Colorado Springs, one night, we talked far into the night about how happy we were that we had found this way to teach. Finally, sleepy beyond words, we managed to slur out a few last ideas and ended up saying, by chance in the same moment right before sleep overtook us, “I just want to help others do this…”.
We had said the same thing at the same time. It was a dream that has come true now for both of us. Bryce’s long overdue website is finally up and running, to the great good fortune of anyone who knows what gems and jewels Bryce regularly provides students of comprehensible input and TPRS in his workshops and materials.
One of the highlights of my friendship with Bryce was an eighteen hour drive to San Antonio, TX in 2009, and then another eighteen hours back to Colorado at the end of the conference. We discussed everything from Lao-Tzu to golf to the perils of presenting on TPRS and everything in between. I learned so much.
Bryce’s knowledge of Krashen is encyclopedic. He has written so much on so many aspects of comprehensible input. Even better, he helps others in a way that is not ostentatious at all – he is very down to earth in his expert instruction. It’s a great combination in a teacher, and I have seen that same quality exhibited in his classes with his students.
Now, Bryce, with the long awaited grand opening of your website this week, your capacity to “just help others” has increased a thousandfold. Congratulations! Here is the address for anyone who wants some great stuff on teaching using comprehensible input:
http://www.brycehedstrom.com/
The Problem with CI
Jeffrey Sachs was asked what the difference between people in Norway and in the U.S. was. He responded that people in Norway are happy and
1 thought on “Sound the Trumpet!”
Bryce–
I just went to your site. What a wonderful place you’ve created! I got several ideas to help me in my babysteps towards TPRS and CI. What an advantage to teach daily instead of weekly. And I loved your ideas on connecting multiplication skills to a game. The math teacher appreciates your support and the student struggling with understanding appreciates your attention. And everyone else gets to play a game with no losers only laughter and winners.
Kate