20 students, 20 insights gained

It's interesting to me that many teachers were not the best students themselves. I read a blog about this last night. It wasn't until 6th grade that this gentlemen felt a teacher cared for him. I feel I can say the same is true for myself. However, for me it wasn't until college that I had a teacher who made a difference. A teacher who motivated me to be the best learner I could be. A teacher who believed in me and all I had to offer the teaching profession. It wasn't until college that I would be on the honor roll and most semesters receive a 4.0 GPA. What was different about my college years and my younger school age years? 

My school age years, elementary through high school years, I wasn't a "good" student. I remember being labeled as the student who adults often said, "she doesn't put in enough effort" or "she's not trying hard enough" or "perhaps she needs a tutor to help her understand this concept further". Tutors upon tutors, arguments upon arguments with my parents, consequences upon consequences, non of it made a difference. Now looking back as a teacher I know why. This was not the correct approach to motivate a student. I don't recall anyone asking, "why?". Or anyone asking me how I felt. Why wasn't I putting in effort? Why wasn't I engaged? What was working for me? What wasn't working? What could a teacher or adult do to help me get motivated (hint: it wasn't more giving me more work or "practice")? These are questions that students and teachers need to reflect on together. I strongly believe children know themselves best. Let's include them in on the conversations. 

This school year I have taken a different approach than past years. I feel I am more of a coach or facilitator than a teacher. I have opened my heart and my classroom up to my students and their voice. With that open heart and mind I have learned an incredible amount from them. 

20 students, 20 insights gained (and a whole lot more!):

1. Hockey is the best sport and I must root for the Islanders. Hockey is also a great way to reach a kid and then incorporate it into math.
2. When a kid has a passion or interest let them fly. Don't get in the way. The end result they produce will always surpass what you had in mind.
3. As a teacher there are two ways of looking at a students work. You can either complain about the effort a student is putting in or take a good look at you're teaching. Once you look at your teaching, adapt it to find ways to engage all students. The effort they put in when engaged and self motivated is incredible. The struggling child may no longer be struggling. 
4. Think outside the box! How can this assignment be tweaked so that all students can feel success?
5. Home life circumstances are not equal for all students, so homework shouldn't be either. 
6. If you're going to give homework, make it relevant, purposeful and fun. Involve the family in the learning. TurnKey Thursday is my students favorite.
7. Create a "Wild Reading" environment by fostering choice, discussions, and lots of read alouds.
8. The sweetest, most helpful kids need you to teach them how to help themselves as well. 
9. If a student wants to move on during a math lesson and you know they get it. Let them! Take it step further and give them an enrichment instead of having them do the same work as everyone else. 
10. Students do better when they own their learning. Make it about the process not the product. 
11. Provide various outlets for sharing information. Some of the quietest students shine when they are given the opportunity to create digital presentations or videos. The video book reviews the kids create give me a glimpse inside of many of my students true personalities outside the classroom. 
12. Rubrics and grades are not always necessary. A hearty conference goes a long way in all subjects. 
13. Have the students provide feedback to each other using a social media tool such as SeeSaw. 
14. Share your mistakes and a child will be more willing to make and learn from theirs.
15. Use mindfulness techniques in the classroom to help foster a community based on kindness and respect.
16. Growth mindset affirmations are a wonderful learning tool. Encourage students to use them when they say "I can't". 
17. There is so much going on in a kids life. Give them a break!
18. When the going gets tough...laugh about it.
19. Children's books are awesome! Read them and then join in on the conversations and make recommendations. 
20. Ask the students their opinions and views on how the school year is going. Take their voice and use it to better the classroom and make it a place they look forward to coming to everyday. 

What have your students taught you? How are your student's voices included in your classroom and their learning?