Innovation, in our classroom, happens when the students are solving real-world problems and answering questions using their own ideas and their own designs. Over the past two weeks, we have been discussing weather and its effects on climate. Yesterday, the students worked in small groups to put together a paper house. The same materials were given to each group to ensure that the houses were the same. The groups then attempted to use wind to knock their house over. Now, I know what you're thinking! This is not very innovative. Well, you are correct; it is not. However, what the students did next was not only innovative but awesome! I set out a variety of materials that the small groups could choose from in order to reinforce their houses and make them stronger. The students were more than eager to begin making the strongest houses possible, and they were extremely creative in how they chose to strengthen their houses! Innovation, eng...
Call to Adventure This year has been full of firsts for me: first time having a digital classroom; first time learning the basics of computer science; first time teaching digital citizenship; first time participating in Twitter chats; first time attending an EdTechTeam conference (which was also the first time I have been away from my husband overnight since we got together in 2014). From these firsts, I have grown to love the idea of adventure, taking a risk, and trying something new. I have loved stepping out of my comfort zone. Most of all, I have loved asking myself the question: If others can, why can’t I? This exact question is what propelled me to implement Flexible Seating in my classroom. I was speaking to an inspiring first grade teacher who has successfully used flexible seating in her classroom. The “dreamer-alert,” as we call it in my house, went off in my brain. If first graders can do it, why can’t my third graders? ...
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