I was in a third grade classroom this week and had some time to look around the teacher's class. You can really get a feel for how a class is run by observing the walls. I really liked this poster. As discussed previously, we are learning that students have to be engaged and aware of their own learning to truly retain knowledge and be good thinkers. I thought this was neat how there were some codes to help students verbalize how they are feeling about material.
Also while I was there, praying mantis popped his head in. He was huge! It's not often that you get to look at one so closely and from the belly in. I allowed students to take turns to come and visit the mantis. What a neat thing!
And finally, this. These rainbow loom bracelets seem to have taken over the world, and even my house! :) I have been in all different grades and all over Summit and Portage Counties and these are the common thread. In a couple of cases, it has allowed me to make a little bit of a connection with students, asking them about the pattern of theirs. Again, teaching is much about making connections, even if it is over something as silly as a bracelet.
