Many people have said that the children are our future but the future looks pretty bleak. We as adults are failing to properly prepare them for THEIR future. How can we fix this? Incorporate the teaching techniques that worked when we were children. Let me clarify this. I am 48 years of age which means that I was born in the 60’s. My early childhood years were AWESOME because I had some AWESOME TEACHERS!!!
They were so creative and they loved children. These two attributes are crucial when becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, these attributes cannot be taught although some college courses try. . . . FAIL!!! Now, I can’t speak for every school system. I can only speak for the broken system where I live. I look in the eyes of some of our students in first through third grades. Some are so stressed out. It breaks my heart.
BRING BACK THE JOY!!! How? I am so glad that you asked. RECESS would help for starters. Provide a little structured playtime during recess so that the students get some stretching before they begin running. No one needs to worry about them getting a cardio workout. That comes naturally. CREATIVE ACTIVITIES would also help. When teaching a math lesson, utilize manipulatives. These are objects that the children use to make the lesson relative and fun. Trust me. The lesson will stick if they use farm animals, legos, cars, squares, circles, pictures, etc. to count instead of only using a worksheet and crayon. MOVEMENT during the lesson will help hold their attention and make learning fun. There are so many songs that reinforce lessons in every academic area (math, science, history, etc.).
BRING BACK THE JOY!!! These are non-traditional children so stop trying to teach in a traditional way. Be the kind of teacher who does not mind getting on the floor, running outside, jumping during circle time, GETTING OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE! In order for our children to LEAD we must remember that it is not about us. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! HAVE A FABULOUS FUNKADELIC FRIDAY!
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