Okay, so I'm sitting at school in the computer lab. Yeah, I know, it's summer but I've got some work to do.
I've seen several classes operating and it's different than the regular school year. There is music playing. There are games being played. Students seem much more engaged and eager.
Why?
There isn't a focus on The Test. Students are just learning. There isn't a big test to take at the end of the summer. Each student has a learning plan and goals to meet but it's different than a big state test. Teachers have prescribed units and themes. They are connected and relevant with the students. The theme runs through regular classes and specialist classes.
For example, 2nd grade is working on the Mississippi river. In music, students are studying the different music from the different regions along the river. In gym, they are dong Native dances from tribes on the river. In media, they are studying interactive maps and will create a Pixie about the river to tell a story.
Collaborative, thematic teaching that is relevant to our students. These 2nd graders live near the river and have all had some experience with it.
This is a good model. How do we implement this in the regular school year?
I've seen several classes operating and it's different than the regular school year. There is music playing. There are games being played. Students seem much more engaged and eager.
Why?
There isn't a focus on The Test. Students are just learning. There isn't a big test to take at the end of the summer. Each student has a learning plan and goals to meet but it's different than a big state test. Teachers have prescribed units and themes. They are connected and relevant with the students. The theme runs through regular classes and specialist classes.
For example, 2nd grade is working on the Mississippi river. In music, students are studying the different music from the different regions along the river. In gym, they are dong Native dances from tribes on the river. In media, they are studying interactive maps and will create a Pixie about the river to tell a story.
Collaborative, thematic teaching that is relevant to our students. These 2nd graders live near the river and have all had some experience with it.
This is a good model. How do we implement this in the regular school year?
Hmmm, it seems to me that this is what the school environment should look/feel like all the time! Maybe more stakeholders need to be invited in over the summer to take a look at what engaged learning looks like (without tests!)
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