Engaged Learning

I had the opportunity  to do some service learning in a severely special needs class this week.  The previous teacher "was not returning".  I witnessed many instances in which engaged learning was not being practiced. These children were not being integrated into their normal class rooms.  We hauled out boxes of toys that were neither engaging or appropriate in the sense that the children could not play or manipulate the toys.  Listening to other aides, it appeared that a lot of these children had digressed in their learning. I was only there for one week but it was amazing what this new teacher implemented. First, she brought desks in the room. Having desks in the room we were able to start teaching this precious children the difference between work and play time. One thing we did immediately was to integrate them into their normal class as much as possible. They loved it, as did the children from their class. They were so happy to talk to and help them. We also took lots of breaks in which we went outside together or did simple song and exercises to get them moving. How amazing to watch them singing Old McDonald and doing the Hokey Pokey! Oh, the joy on their faces as they were smiling and being ENGAGED! We also gave them small chores such as vacuuming and picking things up. Washing dishes and helping the janitor.   Such a small thing but what a big difference for these little souls to feel empowered. I can't wait to go back next week.

Creating Productive Learning Environments

 

 
I really have an amazing cooperative teacher. When I observe her in a classroom setting, it is clear why the kids love her. One thing I admire about her is how she offers the students a choice. When they started their reading groups, she called them back eight at a time to her corner desk. She pulled out three different books and gave them a moment to read the summary and flip through the books. She then let them choose what book they wanted to read and set up their reading partner according to what book they chose.
     Another thing she does that I absolutely love  is a "Web of Kindness".  She let's one student hold a ball of yarn and the student wraps the loose end around their finger. The student then pays a compliment to a fellow student and tosses the ball of yarn to the one who was complimented. When they are done, it makes this really cool web around the classroom. Her point is that kindness has no boundaries.
     The most important thing I've noticed is that she makes every student feel loved. She is at the door in the morning to great them as they come in. She gives them "knuckles" as they leave at the end of the day. Throughout the day as they are working on assignments, I see her walking around the class room and saying something nice or positive to all of them. She isn't fake about it either.  Sometimes it's just asking if their little sister is feeling better after having the flu, or how their new pet is.  She genuinely cares.