Sometimes we forget just how much we can learn from our students. One of the most valuable pieces of advice that I’ve ever received came from Sarah Brown-Wessling – the American 2010 National Teacher of the Year. In her classes, Sarah focuses on ‘flattening the hierarchy’ within her class.
This means that learning and the construction of knowledge is largely bilateral, instead of hierarchically, where knowledge is ‘imparted’ down from the teacher to the students. I totally agree with Sarah and I believe that effective learning takes place when hierarchy is removed. I feel like my students teach me so much every day.
So, today I thought I’d share some life lessons that my first Kindergarten class taught me.
Laugh at yourself. Life can get pretty boring if you take everything too seriously. I remember many times in my class full of Kindergarten stand up comedians, that when I just had to laugh. Funny stories, opportune comments, quirky observations – they all have the potential to brighten up your day and create great memories if you let them.
Loose yourself. Kindy children don’t really care what anyone thinks of them, they do the most ridiculous things without batting an eyelid. I remember once, while trying to illustrate a point, I put on a pair of pink fairly wings and prancing around the room. I can’t remember what on Earth I was trying to teach them, but I do remember thinking “If any of my friends saw me now I’d die of embarrassment.” The class loved it and I had their full attention for the entire lesson. Sometimes the best teaching happens when you let go of what others may think of you and focus on what is memorable for the class.
Get perspective. When you work with young children, the world they experience is in such sharp contrast to our world. They are not concerned with bills, a mortgage or family issues – they see the world as a place full of infinite possibilities. Sure we adults have responsibilities, but it’s a nice reminder that these stress and weight of life is not all there is to focus on. Perspective for me is taking a step back and trying to keep things simple, focussing on what the most important things in life are.
Plan and prepare, but remain flexible. One of the most significant things that I have learnt from teaching is the importance of flexibility. Yes, plan, prepare and be diligent, but remain flexible. Things can change in a heartbeat, a student might throw up on the floor, someone could break their arm, or the photocopier may choose not to cooperate. As a teacher you just have to go with it. This kind of attitude could greatly reduce your stress and increase your creativity!
I believe that the best teachers are the ones who stay open to their environment and look for opportunities to keep learning. Learning and knowledge creation is a bilateral process, so never for a moment think that your students are the only ones learning in your classroom.
What are some of the things that your students have taught you?
Here is a great video from Takaharu Tezuka, called ‘The best kindergarten you’ve ever seen.’
http://www.ted.com/talks/takaharu_tezuka_the_best_kindergarten_you_ve_ever_seen?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2015-04-18&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_content=talk_of_the_week_button