Most of my life in education can be summed up as showing up for class listening dutifully to the teacher, doing what the teacher said, and checking off the boxes of what needed to be accomplished to pass the class.
To learn that way is bland.
My students experience English vastly different from the way I experienced it in high school. Topics bounce from poetry (and analysis), independent reading, creative writing, think-pair-share critical thinking/discussion, digital (and physical) collaboration, metacognition, and reflection. Wow! I've never really written all of the things we accomplish in class and I am surprised by how natural it seems.
In the back of my room is a bulletin board titled, "Habits of Mind for Postsecondary Success" and I glance at it from time to time to make sure I am on track. The habits are: curiosity, openness, engagement, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility, and metacognition. We experience these habits every day in every one of my classes - it is refreshing and encouraging to watch students engage in this style of learning.
I continue to learn (and trust) that students experience more grown when they are given space to think, write, and share. My intention is to continue along this path.
To learn that way is bland.
My students experience English vastly different from the way I experienced it in high school. Topics bounce from poetry (and analysis), independent reading, creative writing, think-pair-share critical thinking/discussion, digital (and physical) collaboration, metacognition, and reflection. Wow! I've never really written all of the things we accomplish in class and I am surprised by how natural it seems.
In the back of my room is a bulletin board titled, "Habits of Mind for Postsecondary Success" and I glance at it from time to time to make sure I am on track. The habits are: curiosity, openness, engagement, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility, and metacognition. We experience these habits every day in every one of my classes - it is refreshing and encouraging to watch students engage in this style of learning.
I continue to learn (and trust) that students experience more grown when they are given space to think, write, and share. My intention is to continue along this path.