Last night, it was difficult to sleep as I tried to solve the puzzle the mighty combination of curriculum, student interests, and research present.
How can I teach for mastery while still maintaining a child-friendly, happy learning atmosphere?
The key is to craft the learning environment and menu so that children are learning with joy, success, and interest. What makes this challenging, however, is the large number of same standards my diverse students are supposed to master in fourth grade, standards that many of us are still working to master such as writing a great narrative, speaking with fluency and poise, crafting informative text, responding to questions with evidence, detail, and purpose, and the application of multiple math skills/concepts/knowledge. It's a hefty learning menu particularly for those students who are just beginning to integrate skills, concepts, and knowledge with facility and fluency.
If I'm doing a good job, the children won't even realize the many, many standards, but instead see the learning path as one meaningful, engaging goal after another--some that take perseverance, and others that are naturally interesting and exciting as I do believe learning won't always be exciting since some skills are what my colleague refers to as "mental pushups"--the inevitable, challenging skills that make you a stronger student.
As I tossed and turned, I wondered about those teachers who are just entering the field at this time of multiple initiatives--teachers who are learning the curriculum, designing lessons, collecting evidence, writing report cards, and problem solving/meeting with students and families. I'm sure that they've had a few sleepless nights too.
What can we do to navigate the mighty sea of teaching today. First, systems need to carefully craft the year so that initiatives don't overlap, and bump into each other. A well choreographed plan will help everyone to do their work well.
Next, prioritize, integrate, and synthesize. I do think that blended, differentiated, interdisciplinary learning experiences that embed multiple standards is one way to make learning child-friendly and meaningful while meeting standards too. Of course, some discrete lessons will still occur because some concepts, knowledge, and skill are best taught with focused discrete attention.
Finally, keep the focus on what's important. Yes, a good education is a lifelong gift, but that education won't happen if children are stressed-out, unhappy, or frustrated. Instead, let the children lead you, and do your best to serve each child well.
The sleepless night led to what I think is a better new year plan. I'm sure I'll find the pillow earlier than later when tonight rolls around now that I'm comforted with renewed direction. Onward.
