Every lesson plan has the hope of being engaging, thought-provoking, and stimulating. I have visions of fifth grade students calling out, not because they are unruly or disrespectful, but because they are bursting with excitement about the material. I can vision chatter in the classroom, but not the type of chatter focused on gossip or video games that have nothing to do with the lesson, chatter as a result of collaboration proving the old adage “two heads are better than one”. I can see myself having to use the line, “You are doing great work, and I know you are still interested in this topic, but we have to move on.”
In reality, I consider a day successful if only a quarter of the class is sluggishly propping their heads up on their elbows, if I only heard three groans/whines throughout the 45 minute class, and if we engaged in five minutes of healthy, respectful discussion, informally expressing the students understanding of the material.
I know that it is far cooler for children at this age to resent school and learning than it is for them embrace it and show a little enthusiasm. If they only knew the day would be a whole lot smoother for all involved if they participated. They would learn more (God forbid), their voice in discussion is far more entertaining than mine, plus, not for nothing, but the time would go a lot quicker if they were active participants!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
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