 |
| Read more Slice of Life stories and join the March Challenge at Two Writing Teachers |
When I play a Go Noodle brain break for the kiddos, I stay near my computer. I have a clear view of all the dancing kiddos, and it's the few minutes of the day I'm anywhere near my desk. My student R likes to sidle right next to me. If she could, I think she wouldn't mind crawling in one of my pockets!
One day she noticed that I had a poster hanging above my desk with "a lot of Cs." I read them to her: collaboration, creativity, communication, courage (from our building) and critical thinking. We are trying to keep these ideas in mind when planning instruction. I explained that I could show her what these are throughout our day.
During partner work I reminded the students to collaborate.
During math she needed courage to keep trying (math is not her favorite subject).
I asked the students to use their critical thinking skills
When students turned and talked I labeled it communication.
I realized we have been missing creativity in our first grade classroom.
Then Day 120 of school came about. BINGO!
Today we created necklaces of 120 Froot Loops (the classroom smelled so sweet!), kids were able to build creations with our 3D shapes (triangles, hexagons, etc) and a few fantastic 120 hats were glued and stapled.
They were awesome. They were creators. There was minimal off-task behavior.
Yes, I will remind myself to provide more opportunities for kids to use their critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills. I will definitely remember that this class craves time to show their creativity.
Creativity has gotten lost in the push for constant growth and achievement. The pay off in allowing kids to creative is far greater.
ReplyDeleteCreativity has gotten lost in the push for constant growth and achievement. The pay off in allowing kids to creative is far greater.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Chris!! I've always said how important creative/fun time is because isn't that what we remember from school? Sounds like you are doing an awesome job just like I knew you would :-). And thanks for compliment on my slice...I hope it does help. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThey were soooo proud of their creations! It was exciting to be in your classroom today!!
ReplyDeleteTo be creative and learn from it should be a part of every classroom. Sounds like your students really enjoyed themselves. You should be proud!
ReplyDeleteYes, usually there's no time for creativity, but we can't do that to our budding learners! I'm glad you were able to incorporate a little creativity into the day! Engaged? Yes! Learning? Yes, yes! Fun? Yes, yes, yes!
ReplyDelete