Take the time...

I just finished reading Laura Coughlin's blog at Love::Teaching, and it got me thinking, as all educator blogs seem to do to me!

I commented...
Laura, I get it. I find myself in the same situation some years. And I only have 58 students because we have 80 min. with them. I find it's not just what I do, however... It's what I allow other students to do. Many times, other students take control of the class discussions, and if they're going smoothly, I don't interrupt. I should, though, so we can hear everyone's voice. And when a student is quiet, and says, "I don't know," ask him or her, "But if you DID know, what would you say?" ...And then wait for the answer... Tough duty, but we go back for more every year, hoping to have that "dream class..."

I found, this year, that by becoming more of the "guide on the side" instead of the "sage on the stage," I was able to let students "own their own learning." This happened through discussion of text, instead of me feeding them answers, and it happened through our genius hour sessions, as well. In class discussions, I lost sight of some of my students - the quiet ones who are used to being spoon-fed information. During out genius hour, however, I could sit with each student, one-on-one, and learn about his/her passion...

I truly loved learning that Paul was interested in what weapons Marines used, or that Briana could be brave enough to present first - on bullying - and that Sarah could read a poem written by a child with cancer, while her father is suffering from it today. I am very fortunate to work with 7th graders who can take the bull by the horns, and try something new... But I'm more fortunate to have gotten to know my 58 students a little better - as people, instead of as children passing through my classroom.