In Debra Millers book that was assigned to us we talked about her program of reading, writing, analyzing, critical thinking and most importantly the students learning about their learning. Everything that you would think high school students usually do language classrooms. She made it look so easy, the interviews with students, group discussions, development of meta-cognition in students, encouragement on thinking, being curious and critical of what they learn. I got inspired by millers use of students authentic ideas, emerging questions and ideas and developed exploration time In every unit I taught because to me development of language arts should not be compartmentalized under LA. They are using oral and written language while they learn about their friends, their communities, nature, science, physical education and music. In addition to writing about memories and celebrations, creating winter scenes for children to use their sense of touch(representation of their thinking)
; they make use if their language and prior knowledge in other topics. The following picture is a shot of students ideas of what smells were in canister A-F for a science unit.
This to me is more worthwhile then using leveled reading books. Here their ideas are taking form in images and progressed In to words, sentences and then stories. This reflects the notion of authenticity that I hold very important in my teaching beliefs. We talked about this in first year of education and second year of education.
As a guide, creating a curious an informational environment where students are bound to ask questions, they learn about learning strategies, work in groups, learn to use all resources that are available yo them. A complete learning experience that I get to be a part of everyday.
- by MKH
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