A Space for Learning

"The Classroom"

Why is it that our classrooms have become detached from what is natural? 

In most elementary classrooms we see bright colored posters with disconnected "inspiring" quotes. We border everything with crazy colorful patterns that have nothing to do with the beautiful work being displayed. In fact, no longer is the display on the wall an effort to highlight brilliant learning that is taking place. Rather, it is distracting the entire purpose, it is distracting the learning. 

John Muir

I share this quote from John Muir - the man we can credit for having a beautiful oasis of National Parks throughout the United States. What if we took this quote to heart, and began to think about the classroom as an oasis? A place to relax, to take things in, to be inspired, a place to receive.

In my experiences:

...walking on stage at the Hollywood Bowl and imagining the symphony

...Disney Concert Hall - listening to symphony under Gustavo Dudamel

...sitting in the Spanish Mission chapels in San Antonio

...looking out into the Pacific from Palos Verdes

...stomping through the Living Desert in Palm Desert

...observing the spinning of a cacoon by a silkworm

The most common factors involved here were things of nature and things of art.

Now, realistically, these young learners spend most of their hours in a building, and not out on "paseos" around the city. So how do we capture them day to day in the mundane rectangular box called "The Classroom"?

Here are just a few ideas:

Cozy Spaces

Create a cozy space somewhere in the room. Even if you can't find a free couch, scrape up a few pillows and cover them with some old fabric. Throw them down on a rug. Your children will congregate here to cozy up with a book, write their newest narrative idea, or even problem solve through a few word problems.

Windows

 If you are blessed enough to have a classroom with windows, let that light in!!! Keep each space in your room as organized as possible. Allow the children to see opportunities for creation and learning through the material you have set out. 

Hands On

Create first hand experiences for observation by setting up a space for exploration. As your science focus evolves over the year, continually change the materials you have out. Encourage the children to bring things in from home that are related to the study. One year I had each student bring their own sample of soil. We spent an afternoon just exploring the variations and textures. 

Collaboration

Trade those individual seats for group gathering spaces. This creates opportunities for collaboration and community growth. It's impossible to learn most things in isolation; when we listen to others we learn how to learn.

Space to Move

Keep your space fresh, relevant, and tidy. Leave space for movement. Children prefer to get out of their seats and move about. It may seem that they aren't learning, but surely they are learning more if they are making decisions for themselves.  

Just remember, your classroom is a place of purpose and a place for community. 

†kEh

Writing - A Struggle

It wouldn't be a shocker if the morning news featured a group of parents and teachers discussing the headaches they face with writing. Bottom line - children struggle with writing - bottom bottom line - adults struggle with it too. 

In the past three years, I have worked specifically with fourth grade writers. 

Those of you who live in Texas know that 4th grade+writing = OMG!!!
(But we'll save this for another post.) :)
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Writing must begin with getting the writer involved....

How?

Well, we have to make writing meaningful, personal, and free of criticism. Once the trust is there, and the joy is obvious, we can discuss technicalities (grammar).

We start by sharing our stories, the experiences we have in life. Try this, if you have a reluctant writer, start by telling your child a story, any story...and then from there let them know that it is something you would like to write down, because it is important to you. Show them how a writer, writes...

Tamaulipas, Mexico

Use photos to give you some momentum.

Let me tell you a quick story about my family (inspired by the photo above).

My family, my paternal family. They come from the southern most part of Texas, so far south, that you forget you're in Texas! A place where you can eat taquitos every day. Not the taquitos that come frozen, fried, and stuffed with shredded beef, but taquitos - little tacos. Tiny, imperfectly rounded corn tortillas, two of them stuck together, with fresh carne asada diced on top, a pinch of onion, a pinch of cilantro, extra cotija, and don't forget the lime! That's where my family is from.

I know from the classroom, whenever I shared a personal story I had hands stabbing the air, the eagerness to share was overwhelming. This created a perfect opportunity for writing, for sharing.

*Always, always, give them time to share what they have written. And if they don't want to share, wait until they are willing. :)


This is one way, one thing to try with your young writer. More ideas to come! Your comments, testimonies, and feedback are always loved and appreciated.

†kEH

Workshops...Collin County & Dallas

Are you looking for a workshop for your elementary age child?

Looking closely at a piece of history...

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We are Texas-certified public school teachers and graduates of Baylor University and Cal State University Northridge. We have taught in public schools in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Italy. We carry together a combined ten years of diverse experience. 

Choose from a variety of opportunities for your child to learn hands-on and collaboratively:

-Earthy Art (Science/Art Integration)

-Picasso Art

-Author's Experience (writing workshop)

-Book Clubs (reading workshop)

-Inquiry Math

We have a beautiful vision for sharing and encouraging a love of learning for any child. 

Location?

Your child and a small group of their friends will gather together in your home or at a local community center or library. The Ateliér will bring all of the necessary supplies.

More information regarding the specifics of the workshop can be found on our website: http://theatelierschool.org. Please contact us if you are intrigued.

info@theatelierschool.org

Thank you!

†kEh