What I will take away from reading The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer is remembering to keep the subject in the center and allowing my students to make discoveries of their own. Letting go of the idea that I have to know everything there is to know about the subject and spoon feed it to my students. I can allow myself to make discoveries along with my students, creating a greater connection between myself and my students and between us and the subject.
Another thing I will take away is the realization that often times when kids “act out,” they are coming from a place of fear. My job is to create an environment where students can let go of their fears and feel safe to take risks. I’ve always tried to do that but didn’t realize that much of what kids say and do is based on fear and my reaction to it is based on my own fears. Just becoming aware of that is going to help me relate and connect better with my students.
Chris, Your last paragraph was another thing I liked about Palmer, but had completely forgotten about it. Thanks for writing that. It's the oddest thing that sometimes when I'm teaching or parenting that I remember to focus on why they are doing what they are doing and not focus on how what they are doing is making me crazy, while other times I just react, which is so not helpful. Instead of reacting, I have to remember to step back every time, not just sometimes, and ask the important questions. If I ask them if they are hurt, if they are afraid, if they are frustrated, I may be able to help them better. When I have done this it works like magic. I just have to make sure I do that every time. I'll have to write myself a note and write it on the board - WHY? Thanks for reminding me. Geri
ReplyDeleteWe are so pressed for time in our classrooms that there are times that spoon feeding seems like the only way. But if you come together and ask questions about big ideas, you will save time because the learning the kids take away won't require a review closer to ISAT. They will have a stronger relationship with that subject and with you because you honored their curiosity.
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