A fun and challenging math lesson was on the docket today- coin exchanges. Honestly, it is one of the lessons I kinda dread. It is HARD and it not often makes sense to the majority of the students. But, with all the of unique, different learning and teaching taking place this year in our classroom, I chose to approach it differently, as most things lately ;) My teaching was not all that different than previous years, I think I explained it all the same. BUT- if anyone else could have witnessed the collaboration that was taking place, and the critical thinking, and the communication styles, they MAY have had the same feeling as I did. I could not believe what I was watching, the language I was hearing, the compromising and the teamwork and respect for students who didn't quite understand and the students who did and stepped into the teacher role. What is going on- these kids are only 5 and 6?!? I told the kids how proud I was and that it brought tears to my eyes ;) They were sure to clarify- to be sure they were happy tears.
This moment just helps me to continue to plug away and helps me know that this classroom environment that fosters creativity, structure, relationships, and high expectations really does work! These are the things that are important, these are the skills that allow every student to succeed in whatever they choose to do. Great job to my kiddos!