Thursday, June 13, 2019

Today's Learning: June 13, 2019

Today's priority is the Global Cardboard Challenge. Cardboard is students' canvas as they create arcade games and play spaces for our Global Cardboard Lunchtime Arcade and PlaySpace next week. Students began this work yesterday. They displayed quite a bit of trepidation at the start. After witnessing their initial efforts, I'll begin today with a class meeting that focuses on the following:

  • Zaretta Hammond's focus on dependence to independent thinking. I'll explain to students that this is their opportunity to take a creative risk, to try something new, to be creative, and to make mistakes. I'll remind them that teachers are there to help and that if they're stuck, don't be shy about asking for help--help with process, supplies, teamwork issues, or anything else.
  • I'll remind them of their audience, the other children in the school, and that the goal of their creation is engage children in an enjoyable activity during the final days of school. I'll also note that another goal is to inspire their creativity.
  • We'll focus a bit on what it means to work safely and to work well as a team too. 
Once the meeting is over, children will embark on their creative efforts. Later in the day they'll complete letters to their future selves and a school survey. Then there will be some time for free choice. 

Teachers will begin to think more about next year as we meet for a transition meeting with fourth grade teachers. They will share information with us about next year's students and needed priorities. This will help us to focus our summer study efforts in ways that matter.

It will be a good day ahead. Onward.