For this week's challenge, the topic is the one best thing you do. Lately, I've been struggling with exactly where I seem to fit in with the curriculum. Unlike many of my colleagues, I don't seem to have a passion for particular subject area. All of the subjects appeal to me and I frequently think I'm not doing all of them justice. Our job is demanding, never-ending, and a constant battle of "Am I doing enough?"
Well, today our school hosted one of our Apple Distinguished School tours where sleuths of educators come to visit and see us in action. In the past for these tours, I've prepped my students and we've engaged in an incredible technological experience to wow the crowd. Not today. Today it was all about the kids.
My one good thing isn't a subject.....it's an attitude, a fervor running so deep within me I can't quite contain it sometimes. It's about empowering students, giving them the reigns to learning and stepping out of their way.
Today I witnessed my students lead, guide, and represent their learning through confidence only student-centered learning can produce. Working on Genius Hour projects with their little buddies, they supported and directed the work for all eyes to see. Within a five minute window, they shifted to math where the fourth grade pros taught the fifth graders how to use the app CueThink and solve a math problem together.
There was one time when I overheard my student talking to one of the educators (Who happened to be an administrator), "I really feel like this app helps me to break down math problems. It gets me thinking in ways I hadn't before to really help me solve the problem," with a conviction and confidence never witnessed before. S.p.e.e.c.h.l.e.s.s.
So the best thing I do in my classroom.....is get out of the way.
Well, today our school hosted one of our Apple Distinguished School tours where sleuths of educators come to visit and see us in action. In the past for these tours, I've prepped my students and we've engaged in an incredible technological experience to wow the crowd. Not today. Today it was all about the kids.
My one good thing isn't a subject.....it's an attitude, a fervor running so deep within me I can't quite contain it sometimes. It's about empowering students, giving them the reigns to learning and stepping out of their way.
Today I witnessed my students lead, guide, and represent their learning through confidence only student-centered learning can produce. Working on Genius Hour projects with their little buddies, they supported and directed the work for all eyes to see. Within a five minute window, they shifted to math where the fourth grade pros taught the fifth graders how to use the app CueThink and solve a math problem together.
There was one time when I overheard my student talking to one of the educators (Who happened to be an administrator), "I really feel like this app helps me to break down math problems. It gets me thinking in ways I hadn't before to really help me solve the problem," with a conviction and confidence never witnessed before. S.p.e.e.c.h.l.e.s.s.
So the best thing I do in my classroom.....is get out of the way.