In my classroom, I have "stations" that my kids rotate through each week (pictures to come... our laminator usually has a long line...and I don't like to wait... so some of my stations are in disrepair). Every station is work I normally would want them to do (such as creative writing, a history assignment, questions about the novel we are reading, etc...), but would have a hard time motivating them to get everything accomplished if they had to work independently at their desk. There is something about getting to sit in a small group and chat that gets these ten year olds to work harder. And bingo, I've discovered a fabulous teacher trick.
Giving them permission to even WHISPER to their neighbor, and they will work for you. The kids in their group don't even have to be their friends, but my students just can't wait to be allowed to talk while they work. But, aren't adults the same way? Don't we love to talk to people in meetings, trainings, even at the grocery store? So why is it that we expect our children to sit quietly and work, when we can't even do it? I say stop fighting a losing battle, and let them visit!
No comments:
Post a Comment