I still have yet to do a post about Maths PD and I wanted to do one for Art. I also want to talk about Mantle, because I'm finally underway, and I finally used some of the things I've been wanting to try. But this post will be brief and I'll come back to those other things when I have time.
What I've Noticed ...
Fidgety children! Room 7 cannot sit still, just like me! However, it can become annoying when the wobbly chairs and the yoga ball, as well as the normal classroom chairs, are constantly being swung on and rolled around the classroom. I have to give all important instructions while they are sitting on the floor. It's almost like CHAIR = NO EARS. While completing tasks they move and swing and roll around, but they
are working.
Presentation skills, overall, are pretty awesome. Children (mostly) take time and effort with planning ideas, layout, thinking about what looks visually appealing, and usually make their work look neat. I know content is more important... but it's so nice to have a class that care about how their work looks too!
Kindness. Room 7 are nice to each other! Mostly. It's been really good to have KiVa to reinforce this, thinking about others, showing empathy... they already know and do all of this. Honestly, aside from my newie (started at the beginning of this year) they are usually all really nice to each other, and they all work well with one another.
Mantle of the Expert... I'm going to put this in because it
is relevant, even though I intend to write a post about it in the future, but these children were amazing. We started our Mantle on Friday last week, after doing a little process drama while reading Hinepau (Maori Myth). As soon as I entered the classroom with my pink wig (yes, I did go all out) as a representative from a law firm needing help with a request in a deceased person's will, they instantly put themselves in role and played along with the whole "hook." I was so impressed. I know it's because of what they have done with their previous teachers (so well done Pam & Yvette) but I couldn't help thinking how awesome this was. And future children coming through to the senior level are participating in Mantle right from New Entrants, so imagine what the future will be like in our school. Exciting stuff!
Digital Technology, I am surprised at how very few of my class are really into digital tech this year. I love all of the amazing things you can do with it, and am hoping that I can get them to be a little more excited about what it can be used for and how. Still, I guess, kids just aren't as amazed with digital tech as we are (people my age!). They are surrounded by it, and it's just there. Like it just wasn't there when I was growing up.
Last but not least, and also worth a mention, is that I've noticed how much most of my class have grown up over just 1 term. Names that popped up for "silly" behaviour in the past, including last term, well these children have been so much better. Obviously they aren't perfect, but who is?! But definitely improved... hope it continues!
