Last week I had the most amazing experience! I was in a first grade classroom where the teacher and I have been navigating together an inquiry project. Thus far the students have been doing an amazing job looking through books, writing down questions and facts - quite impressive.
Well...this particular day we began to sort and organize post it notes for us to dig deeper in our research. The teacher and I, modeled this with our own category and then shared how this is exactly what they'll be doing today. Most groups totally got it and began putting circles around groups of post-it notes, labeling the categories and deciding who would research that area. There were a few groups that needed more support and so through questioning and prompting we were encouraging students to notice similarities and differences. There came a point,
50 minutes into independent work time, when I was so engrossed with a group, I began to wonder, "What is going on behind me?" I was worried my supernatural teacher, all-knowing, extra heightened silly sense had failed me. I was afraid to turn around to see what I might find...to my amazement,
an hour into this work, the students were totally engaged and deep in discussions, books, pencils and notes! I feel this could be a true testimony to how we can honor students' passions and desires and how they will rise to meet the occasion!
That's amazing that all of your kids were so engaged during independent work time. That's a true testament of good teaching! You both were able to tap into what the students are passionate about and make it engaging for them. :)
ReplyDeleteInquiry! It does it every time. I wish more people would take the plunge with us.
ReplyDeleteThat is what learning is all about! Engagement happens when kids care. Kids will care when they have choice. I hope there will be updates (and maybe pictures?) of the kids work.
ReplyDeleteJust a wonderful story of how well the students were prepared and how having the choice of finding out about their own passions is so powerful. I like the way you told it, prepping us, but then finding yourself so engrossed that you thought you hadn't been paying attention to everyone, an oops you thought, but with a great ending!
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing. Think about all the learning that took place without a worksheet or test prep.
ReplyDeleteChoice and trust, choice and trust -- the magic ingredients that work as well in a first grade classroom as they do in a PD session. Nice story! :)
ReplyDeleteGiving students a choice has really made a difference in my own classroom. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteI love that all these students were so focused on the topics they wanted to learn about that time passed by without anyone realizing. What a great day!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what kids can do when we let them make choices and honor their abilities? It's a true testament to good teaching and trusting students.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful when students are engaged like that . Congrats on a great lesson.
ReplyDeleteI had a professor in college who always reminded us to "Let go" and your slice reminded me of this. Thanks, Jen!
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