August is a powerful month for teachers. We've rested, we've recharged, we've "Sharpened the Saw" in 7 Habits language. And we've reflected. (Trust me, that's what we were doing on the beach. I promise. It just looked like a nap.)
What worked? What didn't? What will I use again, and what will get chucked into the circular filing cabinet? That TpT lesson looks amazing -- ooh, and what about having my kids blog this year? Forget spring -- August is the time for new beginnings and fresh ideas, at least in Educationland.
This process of reflecting shouldn't be left to teachers alone. It's a powerful tool, and one we need to help our kids learn to use. In fact, I name 2015-2016 the "Year of Reflection." I'll think about it and let you know how it works out. After my nap.
"Oh, your kids really have fun, don't they?" I've been asked this question, or versions of it, more times than I can count over the past year as a GT facilitator, in tones ranging from wistfulness to sneer. And I reply, "Yes, they do -- and they think hard, too." Because really, people, what's wrong with a little fun in school? I'm thinking of this after spending an hour watching my fifth graders just have fun today. We were supposed to teleconference with NASA, but due to technological difficulties, had to reschedule. Which left me a classroom of fifth graders and an unscheduled hour.
Pentago
"Free choice!" I called out, deciding to give them their Christmas present early. They scattered -- LEGOs, chess, marble runs. Some chose new challenges, like Pentago or In a Pickle. Others went to old favorites -- Quoridor and Quirkle. To be honest, I struggled with this decision -- was I wasting an hour? What would their teachers -- strapped for time with the stress of state testing in three subjects -- say if they found out? Then I stepped back and just watched. Part of our district's mission statement reads: "...ISD,where we encourage collaboration and communication, [and] promote critical thinking..." In their play, my students were embracing all three of those district goals. So yes, they were having fun. And thinking -- a lot.
