After a couple of weeks getting into a new school year, it seemed like a good time to reflect on some observations and takeaways of what is going on and what I have seen. Additionally, reminding myself of some of the more universal truths that seem to reintroduce themselves every fall.
Two weeks in, here's what has resonated:
1. It is so unbelievably fantastic having all of the students back in class and together! They're engaged, love working together and collaborating, and feed off of each others' energy and creativity.
2. Many students have not been in a classroom consistently - and some not at all - for a year and a half...and in many ways it shows! There are a lot of details around the rhythms of a school day that some are a little rusty on. That's more than okay! All in due time...and some of this stuff is always in need of updating/modifying/adapting anyways.
3. Kids have become so much more knowledgeable and proficient with their use of technology skills over the past couple of years. A lot of this is due to necessity; some is a byproduct of their lives fully lived digitally.
4. Middle School students - especially but not limited to 6th grade - definitely need recess or some sort of built-in time for physical activity! Ideally, gym class (and frankly ALL the allied arts classes) would get just as much time as others. **if you've read much of what I've written previously, you would know I'm a huge believer in the whole child, well-rounded approach** It would be so nice if the kids were able to have a daily chance to get movement, be active, clear their minds, and release some of their energy in a positive way!
5. Students love creating. Even when they don't realize it, they seem to feed off of and get energy from creating. The more I can put opportunities in front of them to create, share, give/get feedback, and reflect - the better!
6. It's vital to have balance in tech/computer use and doing things "analog" as well :) The students need it, I need it, and everyone benefits from finding that balance after so much time needing to rely on technology. It goes back to those guiding principals around tech use --> is it useful? transformative? enhancing to the experience?
Beyond those thoughts, here are some seemingly universal truths around what students need to do - and what I can need to help with and foster - for successful learning:
a. all kids love learning and are curious. it's a matter of supporting them and building an environment & culture to foster that excitement.
b. every kid deserves an environment at school where they feel safe, respected, and valued. what I've found in 20+ years of teaching is that when kids feel this need is met - no matter what "type" of kid they are - they will flourish and grow.
c. so much of life - and learning - is just about giving it a shot and throwing yourself out there! for some this comes naturally. for many others, it does not. it's incumbent upon me to be their cheerleader when necessary.
d. effort goes a long way and makes up for so much!!
e. when students know I'm invested in them they will almost always reciprocate. while I understand this doesn't always check out and you'll never get that from 100% of students, that's not a reason to NOT engage with kids!
f. kids need organizational skills and they need to be explicitly taught these skills!
g. at the start of the school year --> start SLOW to go FAST!!
image: istockphoto.com
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