Interestingly enough, more NONteachers responded than teachers. This tells me two things: A) The relationships we form and the impact we make is HUGE when it comes to our families and B) Many teachers may not know why they're still in it. (Ok...or I'll give you C) No one was really in the mood to post on Facebook or respond to thoughts...TOTALLY possible.)
My colleagues and I had a really cool opportunity this past semester - we were able to go to a neighboring school district and observe in their Reggio inspired early education center. Never heard of Reggio? Me neither (at first)...it's a little place in Italy. You can read about it here. They developed their own educational philosophy, or rather, CHILDHOOD philosophy. You can read about that here. The experience was completely CHILD-CENTERED. You'd think more schools would be that way, right? WRONG. But at no fault of teachers or even administration...
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| Did I mention KINDERGARTENERS did this??? |
If you talk to any teacher that went on our "field trip", we all completely agree with the philosophy of inquiry and exploration - but as I walked from class to class and observed all of the amazingness going on in the back of my mind I'm haunted by "What standard are they assessing?" and "How are they being held accountable as students walk seamlessly from one classroom to the next or even out into the hall for activities while they're not being told what to do step by step?" or "How are the teachers being evaluated as students walk seamlessly from one classroom to another or choose to participate in activities out in the hallway?" or (Heaven help us!) "How do I prove to administration and parents that I'm actually teaching and my students are learning even thought it looks like they are *gasp* PLAYING?"
This is where I start to try to piece together that next year, my classroom will be a 1 to 1 environment for the first time in my 12 years of teaching, and I'm able to get inquiry into my curriculum in a whole new way...but still working on this "Reggio" kid created situation - yes, our students know a whole heck of a lot about technology...OR, is it the fact that they know a whole heck of a lot about how to GAME? Our conversations at school have been about the fact that the use of technology needs to be production based, not consumption based (meaning, they are creating with their technology, not just reading from the screen to get info). This makes 100% sense to me, since our concern about iPads in the classroom is centered around screen time and what the students will actually DO with their technology in the classroom. SO...those of you that are already 1 to 1, would love your feedback. Those of you who are Reggio inspired (yes, I know it is basically a preschool program, but we're trying to adapt apparently!), would like to hear how you are inspired in your classroom. Oh yah...and those of you that have lived the portable life, fill me in on how to do that, too...it will be my first time in a "Tiny House." LOL!
Let the summer of learning begin! And here we go with the New Adventures of Kel's Klass...
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