Sometimes two little words say so, so much. When we asked teachers to reflect through their thinking as of November 2nd, many thoughtful answers were recorded, often onto the back side of their paper. They said many profound, often quote-worthy things like I used to think moving around was a great option for students because they're restless and like choices. But now I think it is a necessity for students to move around and often because it relieves boredom and offers choice, but it also stimulates the brain. However, when you know the deep, transformative experience teachers have hard so far, you will know EXACTLY what the two words below mean: |
Teachers are no longer thinking in terms of I and my; they are now thinking about us and we, seeing their classrooms as learning spaces co-owned by students. I used to think "I". But now I think "we" was clearly, meaningfully written at the top of Rick's paper, but the sentiment was echoed by many other teachers that night. Patti said she shifted from thinking of the class as "mine" to thinking of it as "ours" and wrote It's their space too.
With the understanding of the need to design a space for their students and themselves, the teachers brought drafts of student designs, their own designs, and co-designed plans to share with Laura in a fishbowl-style collaboration session. Laura also brought designs so their expertise could blend with the ideas and needs of the students and teachers for the best possible (budget-friendly) design.
With the understanding of the need to design a space for their students and themselves, the teachers brought drafts of student designs, their own designs, and co-designed plans to share with Laura in a fishbowl-style collaboration session. Laura also brought designs so their expertise could blend with the ideas and needs of the students and teachers for the best possible (budget-friendly) design.
The teachers were excited to receive the designers' ideas for their spaces, and quickly noticed how similar their designs were. Below is an example of Jamie's plans, along with TMP's.
After having time to review designs and considering changes that may need to be made, teachers began individual conversations with Laura, while the rest of us listened, looked at the designs, and many found new ideas for their spaces. Everybody stayed late into the night, sticking together as a team until everybody had a chance to share, reminding us of the commitment that was made our first night together. Respectful. Supportive. Positive. Collaborative. Connected. Listening. Open-minded. Focused. That's just how kind - and super amazing - these teachers really are. |