Overcoming 8th Graditis

Really!  8th graditis...it's a term - check out urbandictionary.com.  But, our teachers overcome it with engaging learning in the last month of school!

A study in probability - the game of SKUNK.

Conferencing with students creating a lesson for the class.

Students collaborating to create a lesson to teach their peers - they're creating the assessment!

I got Mrs. Marin to sing!  

Using math to decode and determine Dr. Evil's crimes.

Small groups of students divide roles for their short play.

I was inspired by...

Today, I got the opportunity to visit elementary schools in Affton, Webster Groves, and Brentwood as we look to make instructional space decisions for Dressel.  Not only was it interesting to feel the variance in tone and culture within these 4 buildings, but it was also enlightening to see the merge of instruction and space.  I watched inspiration take place and felt inspired by what I saw.

The reality is that our classroom space is a reflection of our learning processes and vice versa.  Below are just a few examples of how student choice and authenticity are visible within classroom space.

Music Stations:  In this primary music class, gone are the whole class methods of teaching, and in their place are mini-lessons of skills with application in student choice stations.

Applying understanding of notes using instruments.

Listening to music and interpreting it through art.

Composing music through understanding of musical content.

Practicing rhythm through bouncing a ball to the music within provided space.

Art Studio:  Students within this class engage in artistic behaviors, choosing their preferred medium while still mastering art concepts that traverse the content.

Designing and weaving in the fiber station

Digital integration through graphic design and STEAM

Traditional experiences in the drawing studio

3-dimension design in the paper studio

Presenting, reflecting and explaining artistic behaviors to peers:  "I was inspired by Abby mixing her paints."    

Teacher questions follow student presentations: "What would you do differently next time? What did you learn from this process?"

"Traditional" Classrooms:  In these classrooms, instructional space moves beyond individually defined student desks and into task purpose and student comfort.

Modular furniture allows students to collaborate with peers or work individually in comfort.

Some students choose to sit on pillows on the floor

Some students prefer to lounge and work

Counter height seating provides a standing work station

As we look to the future and innovation within classroom design, the reality is that different people need different settings.  teachers need to feel comfortable with the instructional environment - if varied seating arrangements and student-choice stresses out the teacher, it's not good for kids.  Students need to feel comfortable - some students need structure and others prefer more freedom.  The best schools have a mix of these environments so that individual needs are met as well as stretched.

Here's a great link to a short article that can get you thinking about your own comfort with innovation:  http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/6277.