We Are Learners

This week I had to reflect on my learning style. I found that I learn by "doing" as opposed to "watching." This is a tricky situation for me because I also like to be right, all the time. So when it came to knitting I wasn't naturally good at it. I struggle. I need help. So then I am left to look for solutions to my problems.

Thank goodness for social media and YouTube! Without it I would be lost. Here is an example of a post:

Luckily, I had friends who are knitters (is that even a word?) and were able to help me save it. I can't even tell you how that happened. What I can tell you is the panic and fear that came over me because of it. Knitting was stressful that day. BUT I persevered. I enjoy it.

I think that understanding how we learn is important. Teachers need to provide students the opportunities to learn and investigate how they learn best. This is going to look different from classroom to classroom. When I taught kindergarten I had everyone learn the same way for a period of time and then asked them how they liked to learn? So if I was teaching letter recognition I would teach everyone whole group, then they would do it on a computer or tablet, then by song, coloring / writing, reading, movement, etc. Then I would ask students individually what they liked best. As students progress they will be able to know and understand how they learn. It is up to teachers to listen.

I am thankful for this project. It has taught me so many things that I didn't think I could do. I know now that I can learn something new, even if it makes me uncomfortable, or I'm not instantly good at it. If I reach out to my friends and use resources available to me, I can do anything.

Here is a picture of my new project, that thanks to my friends I was able to save! You can barely see my mistake :)