Wednesday, August 18, 2010

a view of public education



This brave high school valedictorian has a lot to say about public education. I hope that I'm not teaching my students to become little robots. I don't think that I am :)

I hope that they will enjoy their learning this year.... School starts in a few weeks.... I will be teaching (guiding) my students to learn. I'm going to try to support them in an enriched "emerging curriculum". Which means letting the students guide the content that I am teaching them. I will assist them with their skills but I'm going to let them drive the content. What does this mean for me? It means that I'm going to have to work even harder this year! Yikes! If you want to know more about emergent curriculum, please google it or google "reggio emilia" -- a region in Italy which is committed to providing their early learners with the best enriched and supportive emergent curriculum. This has been my focus of study for the summer. And I'm almost ready to take it on. I can't duplicate a true Reggio classroom, but I'll do my best. It's all about the children....

5 comments:

Irene said...

You go girl ( Ms. Brown.) I'd love to be in your class, but I'm a little too old. Thank you for contributing to our future.

Kelly Kilmer said...

One of the best speeches at a graduation I have ever heard. YOU GO GIRL is right!

This is EXACTLY what I teach my son. ASK QUESTIONS! *THAT* is the best thing you can learn from school: how to think for yourself and ask questions.

Joanne Huffman said...

I know how much care and thought you put into your teaching and how much you respect the small children entrusted to your care. You are what public schools need most of all.

Kristin said...

That you so much for your sweet message! It was great to hear from you - Art Unraveled was so fun and I look forward to keeping in touch, thank you for your visit.
Good luck with your new class too, I'm sure you will be an inspiration to them all, Kristin xo

Maija said...

I just know you are wonderful with your little people! I'm sure they are kind creatures after their time with you rather than robots!