When I started this blog, encouraged and mentored by Jenny Luca, I had no idea where it would lead and I still don’t. I do know that my ‘learning curve’ has been epic. Professionally, I have grown and my understanding of ‘how’ and ‘what’ learning will look like in the future is becoming clearer. So thanks for visiting and corressponding! Cheers Nina
One day… My favourite shop in Paris. Sorry everyone, I can’t help myself!
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I always get excited when I see my students writing eagily and with confidence. Today, they typed their journals into a word document and I have included their typed journals in the photos below. We reflected on what we know about writing and will soon be developing criteria for a checklist which be used when writing. I did this last year and it was very successful. I’ll include ‘how’ and ‘what’ in a future post.
Once again a random selection from my class. We’ve nearly completed two terms ( approx -19 weeks of formal schooling ) and all my students are moving forward. Each journey is different, but I know each student is proud of their achievements. How do I know? ….from their personal reflections!
Cheers Nina
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The IB aim is to develop ‘internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more peaceful world.’ Source IBO
The IB Learner Profile – Students strive to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective.
This post outlines the journey it has taken to get 5&6 year olds to understand what principled means.
The IB states: Principled-‘They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.’
‘Whoa!’ Unpacking this with Prep students (first year of formal schooling in Australia) has been a challenge. Separating the principal of the school and the word principled has been difficult. In the end I decided that I had to work the principal (school) into the unpacking.
Conversation: As a class we have been discussing the questions below for a number of weeks.
What is a school principal?
Prep Answer: The leader of the school.
What is a leader?
What does a good leader do?
A good leader is principled.
What does principled mean?
How does a principled leader act?
And …it worked. After grappling with this concept, I think (hesitantly) that my students are ‘getting it’.
How do I know? Reflection Activities – What do I know? The children were put into mixed ability groups to talk about and record their thoughts (words & pictures) about the following.
A good leader is principled.
How do they act?
We used a Lotus Chart tool. The children and I completed a whole grade Lotus and then students were asked to complete an individual Lotus. They could use words, pictures or sentences to show their understanding. The photos below show, not only their ability to successfully use a lotus chart but their developing understanding. I scribed after my students completed their reflections.
This is an example of thinker’s writing. It’s not safe like a journal, new words are recorded and true risk-taking is evident. This is a small selection of my grade and I have selected examples across displaying a range of abilities. Hope you enjoy reading their ideas.
P.S The beauty of the Lotus is, that any of the filled squares can become the centre of a new lotus and be unpacked again and so on….
Cheers Nina
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Nina Davis: Teaching & Learning in Australia 