Here we are. The start of another school year. Thirty-One to be exact! I am a veteran teacher. But what does that really mean? Each year I learn so much from my students, things I could never dream of learning from seminars or conferences or PD. My students, along with my own children, demand that I am present with them; they are alive with questions and concerns. And, on the first day this year, as I have done every first day for the past 30, I promised them that no curriculum mandates would ever take precedence over their curiosity and creativity. I vowed to find ways to mesh and blend the state standards with their own interests and lives. Over the years, through mistake and magic, I have learned ways to strike the power chords and power standards without squashing the imaginations and ideas of my students. Not all of them. No. Sadly, some of them have dreamed in the dark too long. But, I do not give up hope for them. I offer and push just a little every day until I help them envision the differences they want to live.
This year, we are going full force with our version of Genius Hour. We call our take-Curiosity Cafe. Cafe because I want the classroom environment to be warm, inviting, and social-without traditional boundaries and restrictions. I want an atmosphere of comfort and respect. And, judging from our Classroom Culture activity, my students want that too! They want to enjoy learning again. They want to collaborate and create. And, if all goes well, they want to celebrate!
I am excited for 2017-2018 and hope my students live up to the challenge. The one I remind them of daily. The one I have reminded students of in some form or another for 30 years...Work Hard, Get Smarter, Be Nice!
Students will keep track of their progress at curiositycafe.edublogs.org/ Join the conversation!
This year, we are going full force with our version of Genius Hour. We call our take-Curiosity Cafe. Cafe because I want the classroom environment to be warm, inviting, and social-without traditional boundaries and restrictions. I want an atmosphere of comfort and respect. And, judging from our Classroom Culture activity, my students want that too! They want to enjoy learning again. They want to collaborate and create. And, if all goes well, they want to celebrate!
I am excited for 2017-2018 and hope my students live up to the challenge. The one I remind them of daily. The one I have reminded students of in some form or another for 30 years...Work Hard, Get Smarter, Be Nice!
Students will keep track of their progress at curiositycafe.edublogs.org/ Join the conversation!