Ensure that children in my classroom will be able to ponder, read, think, and create is to create an environment that is full of wonder and possibility. Students in my classroom will be valued and their contributions will be appreciated because they bring so many diverse backgrounds and experiences with them. Not setting limits on their imaginations will help them develop new ways to solve problems and ignite their creativity. My role in the classroom will be to plan fun and interesting units and lessons so my students can show what they know and learn skills organically while doing meaningful work. Allowing multiple kinds of projects and readings for students to choose from based on their interests and skills will help ensure that their voice is heard and their opinions matter.
I agree with what your say about providing a classroom full of “wonder and possibilities.” But how will you do that – specifically what will you do? What activities? What lessons? Start planning specifics now so you can get started the day you enter the classroom and you expect such wonder of them and they expect wonder from you.
ReplyDeleteGetting kids to wonder and to be creative critical thinkers becomes more challenging with each year a child is in school because for some sad reason they get lost in the process of "schooling" and they get beat out of the students because of what curriculum and/or teachers expect or want students to think and say. Student independent thoughts then become expected scripted responses.
I interview YAs a lot and it takes a certain patience and trust for them to tell me their actual thoughts. Once the door opens and they get thinking their personal thoughts it is amazing for them and for me.
Good luck – enjoy the process and the trip – it is worth it.