Traditional vs ? Whatever you'd like to call it...

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Traditional vs ? Whatever you'd like to call it...
By Debbie

Hi all,
OK, I'm NOT a brand new teacher...but I thought I might add a few thoughts, if that's OK. I am a 45+ year old teacher of 22 years, whose classroom is definitely NOT traditional.
I've spent every year of my
teaching career reading and reworking my classroom theory and practices in order to support my children as lifelong learners, which is my hope! Children should be given the opportunity to read books of their choice, discuss and write about them, write on ideas that are important to them, as well as using real life as a basis for solving problems as mathematicans. My beliefs continue

to evolve. My teaching will NOT look exactly the same next year, or even next month, because I'll know more. Does my school emphasize test scores? You bet, and you probably know what mine look like...why? Because my kids are going deeper and broader than the standards require. They are thinkers and we are a caring and supportive community of learners.
It doesn't matter where you're at, it's important that you continue to develop your theory about how children learn and make changes in your teaching practices to reflect your new understandings. "Where you are is an OK place to be, not an OK place to stay."
Do I have a problem with the traditional 'stand and deliver', one size worksheet fits all, basilized teaching? Not as long as you're looking to the future of your children, and are willing to take that next step forward in your learning...Hang in there! We've all been there. If you need support in taking your next steps, just post or email. There are lots of us who would love to share our journeys. ;-D