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Johnny's Scenario
Johnny’s scenario is not uncommon and can apply to various age groups and classrooms. While Johnny may have an underlying reason for his behavior difficulties, his teacher would be wise to connect Johnny’s interests with the academics or activities that are being taught. Coupling his interests with the lesson may motivate Johnny to stay engaged and on task. For example, if Johnny is interested in airplanes, the teacher can connect airplanes with an activity or educational unit that the class is focusing on. A preschool educational unit on counting lends itself quite easily to the theme of airplanes. Give Johnny a box of small airplane toys and invite him to count them out. Make this a group activity by inviting four children who show interest in airplanes to count, sort, compose and decompose the objects. This is a simple activity that can easily be altered to fit the interests and academic levels of different children and classrooms. |
Likewise, if you find that a large amount of your students share a common interest in either a game, topic, or theme, you may consider incorporating that into your lessons or activities. A common activity can become exciting and motivating if it is connected with something that children enjoy.
Another option for student-led learning is to let the class guide and direct the lessons and activities. To some educators, this sounds like anarchy and chaos, but often the opposite does occur, when done right. When the class is allowed to collaborate and shift their focus based upon questions, observations, and curiosities that they have, the teacher becomes more of a guide and a co-learner. The notion of the teacher as an all-knowing and all-powerful being is unrealistic and unnecessary. Learning along with your students is not only effective and exciting but can be humbling and allow for the opportunity to model the learning behaviors that make for a lifelong love of learning.
Another option for student-led learning is to let the class guide and direct the lessons and activities. To some educators, this sounds like anarchy and chaos, but often the opposite does occur, when done right. When the class is allowed to collaborate and shift their focus based upon questions, observations, and curiosities that they have, the teacher becomes more of a guide and a co-learner. The notion of the teacher as an all-knowing and all-powerful being is unrealistic and unnecessary. Learning along with your students is not only effective and exciting but can be humbling and allow for the opportunity to model the learning behaviors that make for a lifelong love of learning.