Oh! To be a 4th grade student again….
Never did I think that it would feel so long ago (38 years to be exact) that I sat in these small chairs at these small desks. I will say that my classroom was not near as cool as Mrs. Maze’s classroom. Her classroom walls are decorated with visual learning reminders, including Reading Strategies, The Scientific Method, Word Walls, and Birthdays of the Month! The walls are purple, the lighting is soothing, the desks are arranged in small collaborative groups, students have choice of chairs or yoga balls and students are engaged in diverse learning opportunities.
As I sit with Diana, the student I am shadowing for the day, I am observing the importance of the routines that are taking place. Students are well aware of these expectations and clearly understand the importance of their roles in creating a positive classroom culture. Within the first hour of the day, we have smoothly transitioned from learning activity to learning activity, 8 different learning activities to be exact. AMAZING!
Why is this classroom so Productive?
So Engaging?
So Comfortable?
So Collaborative?
So Focused on learning and taking care of each other?
That’s easy....Mrs. Maze is living proof of the following quote;
“The single most important thing in a child’s performance is the quality of the teacher. Making sure a child spends the maximum amount of time with an inspirational teacher is the most important thing.”
-Michael Gove
I am looking forward to the spending the next 5 hours in Mrs. Maze’s 4th grade classroom. Thanks to Diana for allowing me to spend the day with her in honor of The Shadow a Student Challenge Day initiative.
It’s going to be a great day at Granby Elementary School!
"I am a Granby student.
I live by the virtues to be a person of character.
I come to school to learn and do my best.
I am an important part of my community."
Gotta go for now, it's time for Science...
