A Window Into my Classroom

For many my classroom is a strange and ominous place. I often see glaces of students or fellow teachers who, if they had thought bubbles, would be saying, " what in the world is going on?" Some parents hate what I do and tell me that "I don't know what I'm doing and that student's can't possibly learn that way."

Ask my students and it's a different story. 3 out of my 60 students told me that they prefer the "old" way of school. That leaves 57 students who enjoy what we do and how we do it. What is it I do you ask?

My classroom is just that: it's not my classroom but our classroom. I try to build a classroom of respect, rapport, and love of learning. We take risks and support each other no matter what happens,0 we learn from it. We celebrate failures with high-fives and conversations on how we can do better. Students have choice. They choose what standards to work on and when. They choose how to learn. Whether they want to meet in a small group with me, another teacher, peers, or watch videos, and read articles online. Does it really matter how they learn as long as they are learning?

They get to pick where they sit. I have flexible seating options for students. Many students tell me that they love it because they don't focus on being uncomfortable an are able to focus on learning. Have a student who just won't sit and read? Let him / her lay on the floor or under a desk and see what happens.

They know that they are only as good as the weakest link. Sound harsh? It is, but they work hard to help each other understand so we all can meet our goals. They encourage one another and ask how they can help.

I am a facilitator of learning. My job is to provide students a safe, caring place, with resources so that they can learn. Students retain and learn so much more when we let them do the exploring. Educators do no need to sit or stand in front of a class and lecture all day while students copy or recite information. I give students the bare minimum of what they need to focus and learn. I guide them to find understanding.

I call my classroom the Busy Beehive because at any point in time students are everywhere doing everything. I am often found on the floor meeting with students or bopping around to check-in on individuals who are working on personal goals. Sometimes we are quiet and deep in thought or enjoying a good book. Other times we are loud and collaborating with our peers.

You might be wondering about those 3 students who don't like it. They too are part of our classroom and their needs are respected. They like direct instruction so I give that to them. I assign them work on the standards they'd like to work on. We meet daily to ensure that they are on task. Yes, I love what I do but it's unreasonable to expect students to love it too. School in the United States has been the same for years. Students sit in rows of desks and a teacher tells them what to learn and how to learn it. We cannot expect students to be proficient at personalized learning, flexible seating, or having a choice overnight. For example my students have known no other way of learning until this year. It is new and for a few scary. I am sure many teachers feel this way too. It starts with baby steps. But as long as we listen, set realistic expectations, and support one another; everything will work out in the end.

How do I do it? With a lot of coffee, patience, and a goal in mind:

I want to be the type of teacher I wanted to have and what I want my own children to have. Someone who cares, listens to my needs, and helps me be the best that I can be. So that is why I personalize learning for every student in my classroom, offer flexible seating, and am a facilitator of learning. You can be too, if you try.

Want to learn more? Check out my videos, follow me on Twitter at @AbbyCameron131 , and follow my blog.