The work with the children is going well. They are an enthusiastic group of students ready and willing to think big, create, and innovate. The more I learn about them, the better I'll be able to teach.
Today we had a big talk about the fact that students are in charge of their learning--they lead their learning. I told them about Thomas L. Friedman's book, Thank You for Being Late, and the fact that his research points to the fact that in their future, they will have to essentially think of themselves as their own start-up, and that they'll have to maximize the use of intelligent assistants like robots, computers, and even teachers.
They seemed to grasp the concept well, and it seemed to lift their outlook with regard to their work and study. We went on to talk about the combination of passion and study. I used the Go-Pro Camera story as an example.
Later we moved onto the fact that it's important to know yourself as a learner if you want to learn well and succeed. They worked on their Selfie Google Draw collages, creating avatars, and setting up their showcase portfolios. I was surprised to find many stumped when it came to the Happiness Survey and the need to list sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and events that make them happy. We talked about the connection between happiness, success, and good living too.
Finally at the day's end we watched a few short videos about teamwork, and prepared for tomorrow's notecard challenge activity. All in all, it was a great day of teaching and learning.
Tomorrow, students will begin their rotations from one subject area to another. In Math students will focus on what it means to teach and learn math well. We'll let Jo Boaler lead that learning in part via video.
We'll also complete the notecard tower project as noted above, work on the Selfie collages, and continue reading Jane Yolen's wonderful Young Merlon trilogy which I'm enjoying as much as the students.
Tomorrow night finds us presenting the curriculum to the parents as well.
At this time of year, I receive many scheduling notices from specialists, coaches, and administrators too all seeking time to work with students or visit the classroom. I'm responding to those at well.
The start of the school year is always a busy time, and what's most important is keeping your focus on what matters most--the children. Onward.
