It all started with a memory box. We have been learning about our identity in Grade 3 Social Studies and the identity of others. The students each had time to prepare their memory boxes in class and share them with a variety of students throughout the school. Our memory boxes were made up of items that are important to us. We began to have in-depth conversations about memories and ourselves. The project then kind of exploded into an idea where students have now invited their parents to come in to our classroom to share and create a memory with them (it is exciting).
When students shared their memory boxes in small and large groups I could see that they began lighting up after each item they pulled out and explained to the class. Some students began adding memories they had of people and putting it in their memory boxes. Students who had not talked very much were laughing and smiling as the reminisced about the objects they were showing. Every object was an opportunity for them to show themselves to others (what their world is like outside our building). Students were commenting after each student shared and it was interesting to hear some of the comments:
"I didn't know you were an artist...that is really neat. You're going to be somebody."
"I liked the pictures you showed of your family...I didn't realize you had so many siblings. Is it hard sometimes?"
"Why did you pick that item? Who gave it to you?"
"You should share your talents."
"I liked seeing all of your items and listening to you explain them."
None of my students were critical of any items that students shared. They even showed acceptance and interest for items that some could not relate to. They praised fellow students for their talents and encouraged them to keep going with it. The students were so inspired by this project that some wrote "I Am" poems about themselves and really began to not only appreciate others, but themselves too. As I was reading through them, some of the lines became permanently stuck in my head:
"I like the person I am."
"I see my awesomeness in the mirror."
"I feel like I belong in this school."
"I pretend like the world is one big family, my family."
"I understand people's feelings."
"I know everyone is good inside even when they do bad stuff."
"I see happiness."
"I understand lots of stuff but I want to know more."
All of this got me thinking about the "real world" statements I hear all the time and how many people complain that we are not preparing kids enough for the real world. I don't like the term "real world"...We always talk about this world as if it is hasn't happened yet when they are living in it, which is why I like saying, "You'll see this elsewhere." After learning about identities it made think about how much they already know about the world...you know...the important things...the things that count. They like who they are, they have a sense of belonging, they see the good in others, they understand human emotion, they appreciate relationship building, and they want to keep learning. Is there anything more real than that?
Students know about the "real world" because they are in it everyday at school, at the hockey rink, at their homes, and at their friend's houses. School is just a piece of their already existent world. As teachers, we have a unique opportunity in that we have the privilege of talking to kids about who they are, who they want to be, and how they see themselves in the world they live in. Instead of preparing them for the world, why don't we just help them be part of it in a meaningful way? I leave you with the questions I think about often:
What am I doing and saying to make students feel like an essential part of the world?
How do my actions help them know they belong in it?
Do I smile when they walk in the door?
Do I let them know when I appreciate something they've done?
Do I take time time talk to students throughout the day (inside and outside of class)?
How am I creating a culture of respect and fostering a human component in my classroom?
Are mistakes allowed?
Am I understanding when deadlines aren't met?
Do I give students multiple chances to get it right?
Am I respectful in my interactions with students?
How am I showing students that the world they are already a part of is good?
Do I model goodness?
Do I help them see different perspectives?
Do I encourage sharing their identity with others?
Do I guide them to success and show an interest in their future?
The classroom you go to everyday is not a simulation for real life. So.....
What do you do everyday for students to help them love learning and school as part of their world?
When students shared their memory boxes in small and large groups I could see that they began lighting up after each item they pulled out and explained to the class. Some students began adding memories they had of people and putting it in their memory boxes. Students who had not talked very much were laughing and smiling as the reminisced about the objects they were showing. Every object was an opportunity for them to show themselves to others (what their world is like outside our building). Students were commenting after each student shared and it was interesting to hear some of the comments:
"I didn't know you were an artist...that is really neat. You're going to be somebody."
"I liked the pictures you showed of your family...I didn't realize you had so many siblings. Is it hard sometimes?"
"Why did you pick that item? Who gave it to you?"
"You should share your talents."
"I liked seeing all of your items and listening to you explain them."
None of my students were critical of any items that students shared. They even showed acceptance and interest for items that some could not relate to. They praised fellow students for their talents and encouraged them to keep going with it. The students were so inspired by this project that some wrote "I Am" poems about themselves and really began to not only appreciate others, but themselves too. As I was reading through them, some of the lines became permanently stuck in my head:
"I like the person I am."
"I see my awesomeness in the mirror."
"I feel like I belong in this school."
"I pretend like the world is one big family, my family."
"I understand people's feelings."
"I know everyone is good inside even when they do bad stuff."
"I see happiness."
"I understand lots of stuff but I want to know more."
All of this got me thinking about the "real world" statements I hear all the time and how many people complain that we are not preparing kids enough for the real world. I don't like the term "real world"...We always talk about this world as if it is hasn't happened yet when they are living in it, which is why I like saying, "You'll see this elsewhere." After learning about identities it made think about how much they already know about the world...you know...the important things...the things that count. They like who they are, they have a sense of belonging, they see the good in others, they understand human emotion, they appreciate relationship building, and they want to keep learning. Is there anything more real than that?
Students know about the "real world" because they are in it everyday at school, at the hockey rink, at their homes, and at their friend's houses. School is just a piece of their already existent world. As teachers, we have a unique opportunity in that we have the privilege of talking to kids about who they are, who they want to be, and how they see themselves in the world they live in. Instead of preparing them for the world, why don't we just help them be part of it in a meaningful way? I leave you with the questions I think about often:
What am I doing and saying to make students feel like an essential part of the world?
How do my actions help them know they belong in it?
Do I smile when they walk in the door?
Do I let them know when I appreciate something they've done?
Do I take time time talk to students throughout the day (inside and outside of class)?
How am I creating a culture of respect and fostering a human component in my classroom?
Are mistakes allowed?
Am I understanding when deadlines aren't met?
Do I give students multiple chances to get it right?
Am I respectful in my interactions with students?
How am I showing students that the world they are already a part of is good?
Do I model goodness?
Do I help them see different perspectives?
Do I encourage sharing their identity with others?
Do I guide them to success and show an interest in their future?
The classroom you go to everyday is not a simulation for real life. So.....
What do you do everyday for students to help them love learning and school as part of their world?