I love the note Beers made on being in a first grade classroom. That's so true. I am usually bothered when they raise their hand and then don't "remember" or forget their answers because half the time they never had on in the first place. Instead of being annoyed by it, I should be happy for their eagerness.
The older the students get, that confidence and excitement beings to decrease. This lack of confidence disengages them from reading and other school work.
There are many suggestions offered in this chapter when it came to reading. I find the suggestions on creating an open classroom most important. When I am subbing in a high school classroom and take attendance, it amazes me how many students say "who is that" when I name someone who is absent. How do they not know the names of someone who has been sitting next to them for weeks?
Doing icebreakers the first week of school and even throughout the year is helpful for students to get to know each other and see that there may not be too many differences between them. Bullying has become such an issue, so elimination negative comments would create a better atmosphere. I loved the bell idea shown in step inside a classroom. By creating a relaxed, open room where students know each other and feel alike they may develop more confidence. This confidence will help them be more willing to try and may even become excited.
Good points. It is important for us to think about the learning environment we are creating.
ReplyDeleteI actually taught in a 1st grade classroom for five weeks, and I agree with you that we can find it annoying that kids will "forget" their answers, or even go off on something completely irrelevant. Until I read this chapter, I didn't appreciate the excitement these students were showing for learning. I wish that high schoolers had as much excitement as 1st graders about learning!
ReplyDeleteI love icebreakers, but I think some of them get boring. How many college classes have you had where the "icebreaker" was to say your name and major? I think the best form of icebreakers is something that gets the students laughing because who doesn't like to laugh?! Even team building exercises (like having the class count to 20 on their own, but only one student can talk at a time)are great ideas. It makes them work as a team, and support each other. Thus, it creates a welcoming atmosphere.