Our 6th Class

How can I help my students become self-directed learners?
I think this is a process, and it will not happen instantly. I have always worked from a sort of investigative approach when I teach, especially in the areas of math and science. So, in a way, some of my kids are used to this style of learning. However, as 2nd graders, this is very difficult for many of them. They always want "the right answer" or "the best way" to do something, and I try from the start of the year to break them of this. I want them to be responsible for their learning. This project will be a perfect way to take my students to another level of self-direction in their learning. It will take baby steps at first. I will need to help self-direct them, if that makes sense. I will have to create steps with them so that they feel comfortable to take the project in their own direction. I think, once they get used to this, they will be able to do it more independently in the future. Then I can, hopefully, let them go a little more on their own.

How can I support the diverse needs of learners?
It was really great to have the discussion we had last night, there were some great ideas shared. A few of the "students" sounded like they were pulled right out of my class. I definitely have some kids who are very bright but very OCD. They need specifics, they need guidelines or they become overwhelmed. I think that the checklists and rubrics we have created will help these students to stay organized but still allow them creativity and ownership within the project. I also have kids who are little "DB's". I loved the idea that a group shared about putting those kids in the leadership role, allowing them to become "experts" at something so they can feel like they are the center of attention. My kids who are like this, love the attention, and that would be a great way to help them thrive. I have one student who is ELL and struggles daily in class. I think the mentoring system we have set up will really help him exceed and the use of images and spoken word, rather than writing will be good for him as well.