Growing Leaders
2/15/2020
One of my favorite things about teaching kindergarten is watching our sweet little ones grow in their confidence and leadership skills and take more and more ownership of their learning. While there is ample opportunity for this throughout the day, it often occurs during Inquiry Workshop, the time in our day in which we engage in Project Based Learning. It is especially rewarding to see the way, at this point in the year, students naturally step into the role of confident leaders in our classroom (and school). That was my goal with Inquiry Workshop, and it makes my teacher heart happy to watch it play out daily as our little learners interact with one another, working towards a shared learning outcome. During Inquiry workshop, students often ask me, "Can I share this with the class?" (in reference to something they have learned or created at school or to something they have brought from home to enhance our study), or "Mrs. McCormick, you've got to see this! Can we show everyone?" Watching our little ones become confident leaders and learners who are excited about learning and helping their classmates learn is one of my favorite parts of every day. This did not happen overnight. As an educator, my goal is for students to become confident, lifelong learners who know they can make a difference in our world. One powerful tool towards this end is Project Based Learning. This year, I wanted to enhance an important component of PBL, student voice and choice, while honoring our little ones' need for play-based learning. Thus, Inquiry Workshop was born. I love that during Inquiry Workshop our learners have the freedom to play, explore, and share their learning with their classmates. This week, I witnessed students coaching other students and helping them problem-solve. Other students brought in dog booties and a dog coat so students could see these items that we had been learning about. A few other students, students who do not usually ask to share, wanted to share the test run of a sled they built. When our guest expert and musher visited, students introduced themselves and asked relevant questions afterwards, questions that would further drive their learning. Students have also had the opportunity to mentor preschool guests the past few weeks, inviting them into their play and learning and teaching them how to be part of it. It has been amazing to watch students take ownership of their learning and share what they are learning with confidence and excitement.
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Saania AliMs. Ali graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She specializes in Early Childhood Education, ESL, and Special Education. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and painting! Archives
April 2021
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