When I was a beginning teacher, I remember craft projects. These were projects I had preplanned -I had made a sample, I had arranged all the materials the child would need, I had prepared step-by-step instructions and I after the children had left for the day, I would also “fix” those projects that were not up to snuff. As I reflect, I realize that the project was all about the bulletin board I was preparing – not about the child, their learning, or their ideas. It wasn’t until I had been teaching for a few years that I came to realize that the goal was not the end project – the process was the key element.
Now, I invite children to explore materials. I encourage them to use the tools to create and try. I provide demonstrations on how they might use the tool and then I step back.
I am also training myself to ask questions about the process rather than statements such as “that is so nice” or “I love it.”
- Tell me about your work, picture….
- Tell me about your first step….
- How did you make this shape, line, image….
- If you did this again, what would you do the same or change….
Do I remember to ask these types of questions all the time – no, but I’m working on it.
Do I sometimes make suggestions and then take over – yes, but I’m working on it.
Learning happens for everyone in the classroom – including the adults!
Happy Teaching,
Lynda
