Learning with and from students

Stance:

As a teacher I believe it is important to continuously learn with and from children. When designing lessons I reflect on pre-tests, observations, Exit Tickets, post tests and consider what the students have learned and what needs to be taught. At times there are gaps in the students learning and I believe it is important to be prepared to change my focus in order to meet the students needs. In addition to evaluating students learning, I need to consider various ways to reach students. Through the observations, discussions and assessments, I learn with and from the students about their learning style. Whether I am re-teaching or offering enrichment it is essential to think about the students interests, the ways in which they learn best and how I can best support them. Before, during and after I am always reflecting on what worked, what did not, or what can be improved. I let the assessments drive my instruction as I reflect on the students learning.

In this lesson:

• Lauren Tashis, author of the I Survived Series came to speak

• Students and teachers asked Lauren Tashis questions

• Lauren Tashis signed and gave everyone an I survived book

Learning with and from children:

• Children asked Lauren Tashis questions

• Teachers and students learned about the creation of the I Survived Series

• Students were inspired to read the newly released I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster, 1937

In this lesson:

• Students described two to three feelings in each of the four areas of the Mood Meter

• Students demonstrated how feelings in each area look and feel

Learning with and from students:

• We learned how each other felt at the given moment

• Events that happen before school can impact how we feel in school

• Some students were more aware of their feelings than others

• As a classroom community we continued to refer to the Mood Meter and all understood what the four colors (red, yellow, green and blue) represent