I am very proud to teach in British Columbia. The Ministry of Education has come up with a set of "I can" statements for students that give space for play and self-directed learning. Not only is the student going to be able to show these statements through self-assessment, but I, as the teacher, can make space for this learning in the classroom any way I, and they, want. Great freedom and great responsibility all at the same time. For my class the statements are things like "I understand and share basic information about topics that are important to me," and "I can get new ideas in which I have an interest and build my skills to make them work." On this day it was Stuffy Day. One day a month the kids can bring up to two stuffies to school and the whole day revolves around sharing your day with your stuffy. Seven students decided to set up a Pet Center. "In familiar situations, with direct support, I communicate with peers and adults. I understand and share basic information about topics that are important to me. I talk and listen to people I know. I plan and complete activities with peers and adults. I can answer simple direct questions about my activities and experiences." They wanted to make a space in the classroom where they could look after the stuffies while kids were working. A bit like a doggy day care. This then evolved into an internet clothing factory. They decided to measure the animals and make hats and collars for them. The orders came in. The students had to decide who was going to go around the class with an imaginary ipad and get the orders, what the hats and collars were going to look like, and who was going to make the orders. "I can get new ideas, build on other’s ideas and add new ideas of my own, or combine other people’s ideas in new ways to create new things or solve straightforward problems. My ideas are fun, entertaining, or useful for me and my peers, and I have a sense of accomplishment. I can usually make my ideas work within the constraints of a given form, problem, or materials if I keep playing." The factory begins..... "I can ask questions, make predictions, and use my senses to gather information. I can explore with a purpose in mind and use what I learn. I can tell or show something about my thinking. I can contribute to and use simple criteria. I can find some evidence and make judgments." After all that hard work the Pet Care Hats and Collars Store was closed for the day. In all of this all I had done was observe and be astounded at what was going on.
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AuthorWife, mom, teacher, trying to inspire..... Archives
May 2021
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