We recently had some experiences that remind me of what sets our classroom apart from others.
First, on our walking trip to Irving Elementary School, our class was distinctly different from the others who accompanied us. When the "freeze mob" was complete, Hoggatteers swept into the fourth grade classrooms and met with strangers - the students of Irving. They looked them in the eyes and shook their hands. They asked them questions and conducted real, comfortable conversations.
First, on our walking trip to Irving Elementary School, our class was distinctly different from the others who accompanied us. When the "freeze mob" was complete, Hoggatteers swept into the fourth grade classrooms and met with strangers - the students of Irving. They looked them in the eyes and shook their hands. They asked them questions and conducted real, comfortable conversations.
Next, on our field trip to Jefferson City, Hoggatteers stayed to the right side in the halls and in the stairways, yielded to employees at the state capitol, and greeted our guides and speakers with firm handshakes. One adult in particular - a librarian in the Supreme Court - was astounded to be addressed with smiles and firm handshakes by mere fourth graders.
Finally, last week we had a visitor to our classroom, a teacher doing observations as part of the requirements of her first year as a teacher. In reflecting on the things she witnessed, I realize more and more that the atmosphere of a classroom is a very important thing. She saw some things she would not likely witness in another classroom:
Finally, last week we had a visitor to our classroom, a teacher doing observations as part of the requirements of her first year as a teacher. In reflecting on the things she witnessed, I realize more and more that the atmosphere of a classroom is a very important thing. She saw some things she would not likely witness in another classroom:
- music being used to combat a lack of focus
- tracking (constant eye contact with the speaker)
- respectful responses to other students' answers
- safe admission of error and a desire for correction
- student-led support and celebration of success and improvement
- music and lights to celebrate a completed and successful lesson
- students who respectfully greeted our visitor with appreciation and handshakes prior to her exit
I love to see how my students interact with others. We must continue to make progress in our mannerly conduct and demeanor. We must never be satisfied with our current state of knowledge and behavior; instead, we will constantly stretch ourselves forward - students, teacher, and parents - to improve in our relationships.
