Imagine a set of guidelines that reach beyond the classroom, guiding behavior, building character, and teaching attitude and values that stick with the students the rest of their lives? Imagine a classroom that prepares students for the world by giving them the tools they need to become responsible decision makes, better problem- solvers, and self regulated learners. Sound like Eutopia?
This is absolutely possible when our policies and procedures are aligned with our principles and values about teaching and learning.
In preparation for the new school year, I have invited teachers to think explicitly about what they value most about the learning they wish their teaching to produce. Here’s the shortlist:
- Students will become lifelong learners
- Students will STAY curious and imaginative
- Students will become self regulated-managing their time, resources, and talents
- Students will take and manage risk as they strive to become fearless as learners
- Students will engage in discussions about Big Ideas and Essential topics
- Students will become powerful questions "askers" not "answerers"
- Students will engage and understand the world outside of the classroom walls
- Students will find, value, and share their voice
- Students will practice being adaptable and flexible
We have spent the week turning these "Eutopian" statements into real life classroom conversations by creating a series of mini lessons that could be modeled and demonstrate for students during the first twenty days of school. ( Click here to download Habitude Mini-lessons).
Effective, intentional teaching begins with a strong set of beliefs, and even the best, most dedicated teachers struggle to make sure that their classroom practice consistently reflects their core convictions.We hope that our work, will inspire your own conversations with students as you ask yourself:
- What do I value most?
- What do my students value?
- How do we communicate these beliefs to one another in explicit and intentional ways?
