The Importance of Student Voice

Everyone wants to feel valued....everyone wants to feel like their thoughts and opinions matter...everyone wants a sense of control.  Eleven, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen-year-olds are no different.  As you look at the examples below, reflect on how you include student voice in your classroom.

Students recommended this Spanish video where a student sings to their teacher, en espanol, about the need to go to the bathroom.  Hmm...maybe that's how students should request a restroom break in the future.

Students lead the warm down in PE - a little yoga anyone?

In Flight Crew, students design the activity by asking questions of their peers.

Students use their voice to collaborate with partners, explaining how they would do problems differently.

Students choose their partners and work together to develop a product of their choice, discussing both the content and process of learning.

Students provide feedback about their learning and set goals for the future.