This week we focused on the essential question of "Where do I learn best?". Throughout the week, we explored working in the various learning spaces in our classroom. Many students began to realize that they don't always learn best in the same spot. For instance, when reading independently, a child might like to curl up on the floor, but when working in a small group, that same child might like standing at a tall desk. So our conversations started revolving around what is a power spot and can your power spot change.
A "power spot" is a spot where you are able to learn best. Your body feels comfortable and relaxed and thus you feel ready to take in information and focus on the task at hand. A power spot helps you increase your work stamina (Another word introduced, which I'll write about later). Sometimes a power spot is by your friends and sometimes it is not. Even at home, we have power spots that help us accomplish the task before us. When I am eating dinner, my power spot is on the bench at my kitchen table, my son's is sitting upright in a chair at the kitchen table. When I am typing on my computer, I like to be nestled in the corner of my couch, my husband likes to be sitting at the desk in our living room. My daughter's power spot for doing her homework is sitting on her bed. My son's power spot for doing his homework is at our kitchen table. The freedom of choice to decide what is best for your body and mind in that moment gives you the power to focus, absorb & retain information, reflect, and achieve your goal. If we want our children to become 21st century learners, to think outside the box, to be independent thinkers, then we have to give them the opportunity to know their bodies and know where and how they learn best. We have to let them find their power spots. Below are pics of us trying out various learning spaces. We continue to reflect on knowing what are our power spots.
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For many years, I have prided myself on meeting students’ various learning styles through my flexible instruction. Like many other educators, I have designed and revised my lessons to accommodate different learners and to help my students achieve their full potential. However, what I have found is that this is not enough. In order for my classroom to truly be student-centered, it also needs to adapt to the varying and ever-changing physical needs of my students.
I have always taught in a classroom where each student was assigned a desk and an upright chair. The philosophy was that when sitting straight at a desk, students are best able to focus and be productive. What I did not question until recently is why do I believe my students will be the best possible learners when conforming to a physical boundary that I personally find so limiting. When I am reading, I like to curl up tight and get lost in a chair, when I am writing, I like a wide flat surface before me, when my legs ache, I like to stretch out, when I feel restless, I like to bounce or rock, and when I want to converse with my peers, I like seek furniture or nooks that provide comfort and togetherness. My students are no different than I. Since my philosophy is truly student-centered and focused on teaching to the whole child, I am driven to empower my students to explore how they learn best. With our new redesigned learning space, I hope to give them the freedom to choose the physical modality that best meets their needs in a given moment, guide them in building self-awareness, and ultimately lead them in taking ownership of their learning. As, Kayla Delzer, a leading educator from North Dakota, states “If we truly want to prepare our students for the real world, we need to put them in responsive, dynamic environments that reflect life outside of a traditional classroom. And what’s that life outside like? Full of choices.” |
Welcome to Room 314!
Have fun following our fabulous 4th grade journey! Important Dates
August 22nd- First Day!
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