"Fireside Chats" just hearing those word evokes an air of solidarity and leadership. These are two fundamental qualities every classroom should have. These chats were given while families were gathered together in a time of turbulence and these conversations reassured them that everything was going to be alright. That even in the darkest times, as a country, we are united and must forge ahead. This show of strong leadership was accepted and coveted. It was eagerly awaited because it was comforting.
This got me thinking, not only as a teacher but as a parent. Open, purposeful, meaningful conversations need to be happening every day. Students need to be having supportive and progressive discussions with one another but also with me. But, time constraints make this challenging. But my 1-minute check-in's are a weekly way for every student to come sit down, make eye contact, and have a conversation with me. I have truly gotten to know my students in a new light. Thus, building stronger more respectful relationships with them. This in turn has made behavior management extremely easy.
At the dinner table, I have instigated a "high's and low's" chat. Every night we sit down for dinner and I make my children share 2 highs and 2 lows about their day. I engage them in meaningful conversation by asking them questions and waiting for answers. It was a struggle at first but now after a few years of this routine it is second nature. In fact if we are distracted or eating in a hurry, my children remind me to do it. This keeps me up-to-date with their school and personal interests and goals.
In my classroom, I am always discovering new ways for students to communicate and take leadership roles. Podcasts, blogging, class debates, personal speeches, even open-mic day provide a myriad of opportunities for engaging and relevant conversations. Socratic Seminars are a great tool for students to have a self-directed, organized discussion where all voices are heard. It is a respectful way for students to each take part as a leader and share their amazing view points. Collaborating as a class can be a challenge but the first day of school I had my students write their own "community goals" and because they wrote them they trust them and enforce them with very little effort on my part. This set the foundation for respectful dialogue.
Fireside Chats were meant to bring about solidarity in the classroom. Group discussions when purposeful and self-guided lead to camaraderie and team building. Asking questions and sharing answers is a key role in problem-solving. This is a way to unite the class as a community. For every student to feel safe speaking up and letting go of reluctance. FDR spoke at length about seeing through to the end of dark times. To find the commonalities between ourselves and to embrace diversity. This solidified the nation through one of our darkest times. When students recognize one another as equals they seek opportunities to help one another grow as a learner.
Every class goes through its ups and downs. Its successes and its failures. But when failing is a forward momentum then students feel flexible to roll with the punches. Reflection, feedback and open, safe conversations are the cornerstone to what makes a great classroom. Student-centered activities, independent thinking, and authentic lessons all lead students towards a common goal of growth and acceptance. Learning from our failures drives us to overcome adversity and conquer our fears and doubts. Much like President Roosevelt guided our country through WWII, a teacher must guide her classroom through every pitfall until students find their own successes and become truly independent learners.
No comments:
Post a Comment