Critical Thinkers
To build critical thinkers in the classroom, you need to teach children to ask good questions. Part of that process is engineering good lessons that let the children take control and work their way through the lesson, discovering their own learning. I am constantly looking to build situations in my room, or take advantage of teachable moments, where I can prompt them to tackle something without me leading them. My job is to support and scaffold them, and redirect them to reflect on the learning and choices that are happening.
Problem Solvers
Problem solving requires children who are willing to make mistakes in the name of finding a solution. To help build good problem solvers, they must understand how to work in a team and how to explore their own learning without my interference. At the beginning of the year they often waited for me to tell them 'what next'. It is wonderful to see that role change throughout the year to the point where they stop me and make suggestions on ways to tackle a topic in a whole new manner. I show them that I am always eager to hear their input and that the learning in our room is student led and full of experimentation.
To build critical thinkers in the classroom, you need to teach children to ask good questions. Part of that process is engineering good lessons that let the children take control and work their way through the lesson, discovering their own learning. I am constantly looking to build situations in my room, or take advantage of teachable moments, where I can prompt them to tackle something without me leading them. My job is to support and scaffold them, and redirect them to reflect on the learning and choices that are happening.
Problem Solvers
Problem solving requires children who are willing to make mistakes in the name of finding a solution. To help build good problem solvers, they must understand how to work in a team and how to explore their own learning without my interference. At the beginning of the year they often waited for me to tell them 'what next'. It is wonderful to see that role change throughout the year to the point where they stop me and make suggestions on ways to tackle a topic in a whole new manner. I show them that I am always eager to hear their input and that the learning in our room is student led and full of experimentation.