We have a rich curriculum at our grade level. The curriculum includes lots of great writing projects, super reading efforts, engaging science/STEAM, eye-opening social studies, deep math, terrific specials, wonderful expert visitors/field studies, and thought provoking, life-leading social-emotional learning.
The challenge is meeting all those expectations/opportunities without overwhelming students--like too much of a rich cake, even if the curriculum is good, too much will weigh students down and then they won't feel good.
What's a teacher to do?
Healthy Routine
The weekly schedule and routine is critical with regard to this topic. If you work well to create a positive weekly routine, you can stay clear of overwhelming efforts and lead towards manageable, child-friendly teaching/learning.
Maximizing Supports
As I've noted time and again, we have substantial skilled support when it comes to teaching well. The key is to use those supports well. Once parent conferences and the first teaching unit are complete, I want to analyze our many supports, and work with colleagues to see how we might maximize those efforts to build more meaningful time-on-task with all students so that everyone has a chance to succeed with strength.
Extra Help Sessions
In my position as a mom of older children, I do have a bit more time than I had when I was a mom of young children. Therefore I can offer some before school and after school extra help sessions. I find that extra help allows many students to get the kind of help they need to secure concepts, skills, and knowledge. Due to a number of professional commitments, the times and days for this help will vary each week and be announced in the weekly newsletter.
Tech Use
There are many advantages of learning with technology. One is the quick feedback tech allows. Also tech allows concepts to come alive via animated models, games, and video. Targeted use of technology can help students to develop skill, concept, and knowledge in ways that matter.
Teamwork
Many students enjoy completing homework with friends. Creating at-home homework clubs or afternoons can support this kind of positive teamwork. The kinds of conversation that students engage in when they work together has been shown to improve academic growth and learning.
Creative Projects
When students have to analyze and apply concepts in creative ways, they learn more. Looking for opportunities to make the learning come alive will also support optimal learning/teaching. Creative projects and teaching also allow educators to synthesize many concepts, knowledge points, and skills together into worthy, interdisciplinary learning endeavor.
Enlisting Family Support
Families are the key ingredient to student success. Engaging families in the learning/teaching process builds student success in meaningful ways. In every context, this will look a little bit different, and that's why it is important for teaching/learning communities to discuss this topic and make decisions that help teachers and students reach prioritized goals.
Having a rich curriculum is the first step to optimal teaching and learning. The next step is figuring out ways to reach those worthy teaching/learning goals using a myriad of strategies--strategies that fit the schedules, context, and priorities of the community that you serve and lead.
