My friend, Anne, approached me with the idea a few months ago when she noticed that we were posting Educreations on our blogs. Being the amazing teacher she is, she commented on each student's post and then asked me if we would be willing to share our knowledge with her class. Of course I was in - why not have Kindergartens use such a great tool to share their thinking? Watching my 22 Grade One students show and teach Anne's Kindergarten students, was inspiring. They were taking control of their own learning and sharing it with each other. We chose something simple to start, just taking pictures of big and small objects, but having them insert their pictures and record their voices independently was so exciting to see. My Grade Ones are still learning how to use it and some students needed more help than others, but they were all willing to try and teach another student. This was a huge step for my learners this year and I was so proud of them!
As we were in the midst of this great work, Anne approached me and suggested this is something we do at the beginning of the year and continue it throughout of the year. Of course I agreed! Think of the possibilities of having young learners teach even younger learners. The possibilities are endless. I'm already looking forward to the new school year so we can start collaborating!
Do you collaborate with another class in your school? If so, how? How do you allow your learners to become teachers in your school? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Here are just a few of the videos they created:
This is great Jenni. This year my grade ones taught a grade two class how to blog. As you can imagine they were thrilled to sit beside them and show them what to do.
ReplyDeleteJenni,
ReplyDeleteI am constantly amazed by how much children are willing to help each other...I saw 4th graders teaching 5th graders how to blog, I saw 4th, 5th and 6th graders teaching each other how to blog, and I had 6th grade students helping the first graders learn how to blog! They came once a week on Tuesdays to help ( during their lunch and recess). I also saw my Firsties helping each other this year...they came so far.
By knowing the learners, the evidence of who i could tap to help coach others was a helpful approach I used! I called them coaches and I would roll new things out with the small group first...then they would work with a partner or partners and help others.
Thanks for your thoughts and comments Karen and Amy!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I love the idea of your Grade Ones teaching an older grade - they would have LOVED it! :)
Amy, it's so true how much children are willing to help and each other. I love the term "coach" and working with small groups first to help teach the rest of the class.
Wow! What a fantastic opportunity for your students. I remember when I used to get my Grade 1 students to do something similar. It really is a great way to give them leadership opportunities at a young age.
ReplyDeleteIs there anything you think you might do differently if you were to try this again? I'd be curious to hear more of your reflections.
Aviva
www.weinspirefutures.com