While in college at the University of Minnesota I had practicums in many different twin cities schools. While observing in one 5th grade classroom a sweet girl in a hoodie wandered up to the teacher and handed him a sheet of construction paper. Still wet with glue, she had attached the top sheet onto another, but it was slightly crooked. “No, hang on….hand me that”, the cooperating teacher interjected, as he proceeded to pull apart and straighten the assignment. His intention was kind and helpful, but I remember wondering -whose project was it really?
I’ve noticed my weeks have started to evolve into thematic units. Similar to The Mister Rogers show, where they would spend the whole week talking about ‘curiosity’ or ‘when parents go to work’. Often it reflects my book of the week or whatever meetings I have planned. This past week I spent digging into leadership.
As a teacher, allowing kids to lead is something I am constantly trying to learn more about and remind myself to do. It’s easy to plan a lesson and have kids take notes or complete a worksheet. What’s harder is relinquishing control of the spotlight and allowing kids to drive the instruction.
Last year I ended the year with the last 26 days being A-Z themed. (A way to do a countdown of the last few days… A= art project, B= book forts etc… ) I made K day “Kids Teach Day”. A few days before I put a sign up on chart paper. Kids could volunteer to run a small reading group, teach the math lesson, or lead the class in the hallway. I had more than enough slots for each kid, but some chose not to sign up. I checked in with each new “teacher” to make sure they knew what to teach, and even let them have choices so that they felt comfortable with the topics. The day before I asked what supplies or copies they needed.
When K Day arrived, I was blown away. The confidence I saw in kids who had been quiet or unwilling to share ideas all year was amazing. They sat smartly in my teacher chair and patiently guided their classmates when they made mistakes. The kids who enjoyed the spotlight in the classroom shined in front of the big smartboard as they taught their favorite math strategies. The students were amazing listeners (by May they’re probably more than tired of hearing my voice). I spent the day in awe as I watched different styles of instruction, proud of the creative ways they embraced their new role in learning.
We need to let them have more leadership at any age. Us teachers need to collectively move away from the traditional “sit and get” style of instruction and let them share their ideas. Will it be messy at times? Without a doubt… but perhaps they will leave the room feeling empowered- whatever direction they have glued their paper.
*** So of course my book of the week is on (ta-da!)…LEADERSHIP! I read When Kids Lead by Todd Nesloney and Adam Dovico. If you know about the Ron Clark Academy or Hope and Wade King, they are all connected. A short read, packed with great, simple ideas for schools and classrooms.
Teaching the Good Stuff 