The Most Important Thing - 1 1/2 minute read
As I come around the Carroll grad center and our parking lot comes into view, I continue to be in awe of the number of cars I spy in the parking lot. Evenings and weekends have found many of you finding bits of time to set the stage for another powerful year of learning. Thank you.
I've done a few bulletin boards and handbooks myself. I sometimes find myself worried that it won't all "get done". And then I breathe and remember the most important thing doesn't happen until they arrive. The most important thing can't happen until they come, because the most important thing is to build a relationship. Before the assessments, lessons and even the Language Workshop texts, we work to connect our community.
The most important thing is that our learners feel valued. We show them that we appreciate them for exactly who they are right now. We don't expect them to be perfect or little adults. Our language is inclusive to ensure we don't make anyone feel that their way of being does not "fit" with our community.
The most important thing is that our learners feel heard. We engage them in building the expectations for our community. We build on their background and honor their way of thinking about ideas in texts and in how to solve problems. We provide opportunities for ALL learners to contribute in a way that is all at once safe and stretches them.
The most important thing is that our learners feel empowered. We are growing independence and deep thinking. This requires a learner to take risks and work through struggle. We use language that develops the identify of a reader, writer, mathematician, scientist, problem solver, and community member. We help them see what they are becoming.
This is just as important for our staff. I believe YOU need to feel valued, YOU need to feel heard and YOU need to feel empowered.
Thank you for the bulletin boards and name plates. Thank you for the MILLION things you have all done to create a sense of awe in our learners when they step into our classrooms. And thank you for the work you have already begun to build community across our building.
In the comments section below, I would appreciate everyone sharing ideas for building classroom community. I know you all have great things planned!
I've done a few bulletin boards and handbooks myself. I sometimes find myself worried that it won't all "get done". And then I breathe and remember the most important thing doesn't happen until they arrive. The most important thing can't happen until they come, because the most important thing is to build a relationship. Before the assessments, lessons and even the Language Workshop texts, we work to connect our community.
The most important thing is that our learners feel valued. We show them that we appreciate them for exactly who they are right now. We don't expect them to be perfect or little adults. Our language is inclusive to ensure we don't make anyone feel that their way of being does not "fit" with our community.
The most important thing is that our learners feel heard. We engage them in building the expectations for our community. We build on their background and honor their way of thinking about ideas in texts and in how to solve problems. We provide opportunities for ALL learners to contribute in a way that is all at once safe and stretches them.
The most important thing is that our learners feel empowered. We are growing independence and deep thinking. This requires a learner to take risks and work through struggle. We use language that develops the identify of a reader, writer, mathematician, scientist, problem solver, and community member. We help them see what they are becoming.
This is just as important for our staff. I believe YOU need to feel valued, YOU need to feel heard and YOU need to feel empowered.
Thank you for the bulletin boards and name plates. Thank you for the MILLION things you have all done to create a sense of awe in our learners when they step into our classrooms. And thank you for the work you have already begun to build community across our building.
In the comments section below, I would appreciate everyone sharing ideas for building classroom community. I know you all have great things planned!
Community building is so important and such a fun part of the beginning of the year!! In K. we will have each child bring a special item from home to share with the class on the first day of school. This will provide one way to learn something special about each person! It also helps build connections between students!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to read "First Day Jitters" with my class and then have my students sit in a circle and each write one thing they are nervous/worried about for 3rd grade. Then we will crumple up the papers and gently throw them in the center of the circle. Each student will take a turn and grab one paper and read it. This will show that we are all nervous, but keep the specific worries anonymous. We will talk about how we can all support each other through these worries!
ReplyDeleteThe first graders will interview a peer and then introduce them to our class and share what they learned about them.
ReplyDeleteWhen I taught kindergarten (1980's), I used to read "The Little Engine That Could". We talked about how everyone has things that come easily and things that are hard for them. The key is the effort and attitude. I made a train that hung in a visible and convenient location and we used it to keep track of when the class or individuals were really working hard.
ReplyDelete