Let it go... Let it go...

OK, so maybe the Anna and Elsa reference is a bit outdated, but for my plans for the upcoming school year, it's spot on. I'll be letting go. Letting go of control and decision making for my students. Not completely... I am the trained professional in the room. But after reading some great books over the summer, I've decided to empower students with more responsibility and choice. If I don't give students responsibility and hold them accountable, how will they ever learn to be responsible adults? So, my students will have many more responsibilities this year, and a much bigger say in their learning.  Here are some of the ideas I have planned:

• Setting individual learning goals and guiding students as they determine how to best reach those goals and present proof of their learning.
• Relinquishing responsibility for time management to students so I can focus on teaching.
• Requiring students to teach each other as they work towards the common goal of a classroom community that is constantly striving to improve.
• Appointing students to be in charge of the management of all classroom furniture and materials, then holding them responsible for organization, care, and upkeep.
• Employing the practice of accountability buddies, whereby your buddy makes sure your assignments are turned in, projects are on a timely progression, and helps you resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Some might believe this is a tall order for kids who are only seven or eight years old, but I disagree. If the students are properly prepared and supported, none of these ideals are out of their reach. Now, to be honest, I'm not worried about the kids at all, I'm worried about myself. I am very much appreciate organization and order (some may say I'm neurotic) and I also just love to be in charge. I come from a big family of strong and, let's just be honest here, bossy women, so there's that as well. The biggest challenge will be for me to allow much more disorganization and mess than in the past, since learning is often best accomplished through disorganized mess. I have to say, I am looking forward to the challenge, and to a wonderful year!


Books to read: (Links are to Author's websites with resources as well as Amazon book link.)
Learn Like a Pirate by Paul Solarz
Learning by Choice by A,J. Juliani
Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids by Chris Biffle