"I don't just teach because I want to make a difference, I teach because I know I make a difference."
-Shari Peacock
Plant KWL Chart
I believe learning should be responsive and student-centered! Along with this, I believe in creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere where students can thrive, be confident, and express their individuality. I strive to make all of my lessons inquiry-based, hands-on, and engaging. The more students are enjoying their learning and asking questions, the more they will want to learn; thus encouraging them to become life-long learners.
When I look over my lesson plans I like to look for ways I can make it more engaging. Instead of doing a typical KWL chart on plants, why not create a paper model of a plant and have the students add leaves for what they know, and petals for what they want to know? Instead of explaining that ants dig tunnels and follow in lines because of a chemical pheromone, set up a simple rope course around the classroom and have them follow each other with their eyes closed. These simple adjustments, not only captivate student interest, but inspire the desire to explore.
When I look over my lesson plans I like to look for ways I can make it more engaging. Instead of doing a typical KWL chart on plants, why not create a paper model of a plant and have the students add leaves for what they know, and petals for what they want to know? Instead of explaining that ants dig tunnels and follow in lines because of a chemical pheromone, set up a simple rope course around the classroom and have them follow each other with their eyes closed. These simple adjustments, not only captivate student interest, but inspire the desire to explore.
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When you look around my empty classroom, you will see structure, and a safe environment. There will be shelves with supplies, desks in groups, baskets with labels on them, desks that are fairly organized (…most of the time). When you look at my classroom with students in it, you will see students at their desks, maybe standing at their desks, at a round table, or on the carpet with a clipboard. I enjoy structure, but encourage freedom within that structure. My students know that with freedom, comes responsibility, and I believe in letting them explore that as long as they are safe and respectful.
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Students during Writer's Workshop
I am motivated when I see my students enjoy learning. When they laugh, or use their free time to continue learning. I absolutely love those moments when a student comes up to you later to show you an example of what you have been teaching in class; a new pair of homophones they just discovered, a fact about butterflies they took the time to find on their own, or a copy of a book you already read in class but that they loved so much they just checked it out from the library to read again. Those moment not only motivate me, but inspire me to continue being creative and engage my students to cultivate their passion in becoming accomplished life-long learners.
I am a teacher because I know I can make a difference. I have always had ample energy and a passion for working with children. When you put those two together, I feel it makes the ultimate teaching machine. I could never work in a situation where I had to be sedentary for long portions of time. Teaching combines my passion for children, and my need to always be active, creative, and alert.
I am a teacher because I know I can make a difference. I have always had ample energy and a passion for working with children. When you put those two together, I feel it makes the ultimate teaching machine. I could never work in a situation where I had to be sedentary for long portions of time. Teaching combines my passion for children, and my need to always be active, creative, and alert.