As my students were offered choice within the classroom, I noticed their inquisitive nature about various topics began to grow. Students began to take ownership of their own learning and began to choose to learn in ways I hadn't even developed.
Choice in Gardening:
In the fall my team partner and I lead our kids in planting a fall garden. We let them choose their plants, but set up times for watering, weeding, taking care of the garden. A team of these same students decided they would take on the same project in the spring and have started asking their parents for plant donations, have found a time to come in after school and plant, have mapped out their garden, and have done research as to what plants should go where. They have chosen every piece of the Spring Garden and just needed the encouragement to continue on! |
Choice in Book Club: I hold book clubs in my room. Students choose their texts based on a band of levels paired with their interest. I had one student who was tired of missing out on book club with his best friend. He started his own book club. He chose the time and the place. He chose the book. He met with me after school to look through my resources, went with me to the book room to check out a set of books, asked if he could use my room for he and ten of his friends to read and discuss. The rest was history. He began an after school book club. I am not allowed in as a teacher. I am only allowed in as a lover of books. |