#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
“Today’s kids, no matter what kind of community they come from, urgently need to see as many thoughtful, curious, resourceful, and critical adults as they can.” @smokeylit The Curious Classroom @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
Ellen, first grade teacher from North Carolina. I’m a huge fan of the Phillies, Peanuts gang, and anything that encourages my Ss curiosity. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
Faige substitute teacher in Los Angeles. Sitting at a Starbucks and so curious. #whatisschool Read to my kids, grandkids and school kids over the years.
Hello #whatisschool. Glad to be here. Have been sick for the last 1 week and popped my head up for a bit. so will try and learn with you all as much as I can.
A1 We have a regular Maker/Genius time for Ss to make and explore their interests. They also demonstrate their curiosity when they are picking their books for independent reading time. @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool@smokeylit
#whatisschool Heulwen here. After a year of uni I'm starting my new teacher journey all over again. Looking at a wide variety of possibilities and a good fit school of course.
Melbourne is a scorcher today fyi.
A1: I see Ss being so watchful- I think when they're not asking questions they are always taking it all in- observing, processing, wondering, experimenting #whatisschool
Natural curiosity stems from a personal connection to their world. The more options, avenues, and adventures you provide the more their interests will steer them- it’s like a choose your own adventure #WhatIsSchool
“Displaying children’s specific questions all around the room, on. Charts, in idea notebooks, on the walls and windows, keeps the current flowing and energizes learning.” @smokeylit The Curious Classroom #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm
A1: I think Ss show natural curiosity by asking why... just not the way we always want. 😉 Why do we have to walk in a line? Why do we have a cafeteria? Can we have PE all day?
If we take time to answer these ?s, it builds relationships to then foster the WHY in edu #whatisschool
A1. Self-guided exploration of asynchronous activity centers! Different team-based challenges to complete at each location through #QRBreakIN reverse escape rooms. #WhatIsSchool
1: curious ss are fearless. To ask questions, (Even if they think quest. Is dumb) try new things (not Afraid to make mistakes, be wrong, etc.) not afraid to try again, ask for help, help others. Not afraid of how they are perceived or to take ownership of success. #whatisschool
A2 This @gcouros quote is why I think this topic is so important. Special events can make finding time for curiosity a challenge. I replaced morning work with genius/making time 4 years ago. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
A2) Some curiosity busters -- limiting questions, Do Nots, disapproval, judgement, focusing on agenda rather than process-- what else? #whatisschool@deem_ellen
#whatisschool
Speaking with SCOPE editor @_KELewis was an amazing opportunity for their curiosity to be peaked! They had fantastic questions! @ScholasticTeach
A2 Barriers to curiosity - fear of being wrong, not feeling safe, not having the time and space to ask questions and to explore, searching for answers can be messy - messes are not always welcome! #whatisschool
A2 like sir ken Robinson shared in one of this talks, schools kill curiosity. there’s so little time just to sit back and stop to think (creatively, critically). we’re always in a hurry to keep up with all the content at our class #whatisschool
A2: I think the lack of vocabulary or possibly understanding what something is, may block curiosity at times. Kids WANT to ask, but they don’t know how. I also think Fear is a blocker. Kids are afraid to ask, because someone has hushed them or ignored them before. #whatisschool
A2: Not enough time or focus on allowing ss be curious. Too much sit, take in, spit out, curriculum. Curiosity is stifled at an early age instead of fostered. Ss old what to do and learn. Ss learn early how to win at game of school. We need to choose a diff game. #whatisschool
A2 Biggest barriers are the adults making the time for our Ss - scripted / boxed curriculums and schedules that so tight no one can breathe leave little time to explore and deepen the natural curiosity of kids #whatisschool
A2: Great question! Ahhh the list...testing, curriculum, progress monitoring, keep moving, gotta cover this...time for next subject, unit , etc. #whatisschool
A barrier to curiosity is stifling creativity with taking away the unexpected, discrepancy nature of learning. A lack of choice and uniform, cookie cutter lessons that lack independence- puts kids in a narrow box leaving little room for curiosity and ingenuity ##WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool a2 A barrier that gets forgotten is how many teens need glasses but either don't wear or haven't been tested. Makes for lots of headaches and withdrawal. Frustrating because apart from increasing font there isn't much I can do.
A2. At home - sometimes the past practices the adults learned in school cause them to feel safe and secure w/ the "same old, same old" and have sense of insecurity with wondering .... #whatisschool
A2 This @gcouros quote is why I think this topic is so important. Special events can make finding time for curiosity a challenge. I replaced morning work with genius/making time 4 years ago. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
They like to know....
Did you do well in school?
How do you come up with ideas for articles and stories?
Are photos real or made with computers?
Did you like to write as a kid?
What were your hobbies?
Who writes the plays?
..... among others. #WhatIsSchool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @_KELewis, @ScholasticTeach, @deem_ellen
I think curriculum can be a blocker. Some districts make you follow some curriculum that skust sucks the life out of the curiosity and fun of learning #WhatIsSchool
I facilitate #p4c#p4wc workshops where the motto is to stop and to think. we can question everything, respecting each other’s time and rhythm. I’ve been doing this for eleven years. It’s a way of keeping up w/ the natural curiosity #WhatIsSchool
A2- We make time for what we value. Do students see us making time for curiosity? How do we treat it when we hear/see it? Do we stop and treat it with care? #whatisschool
a2: BARRIERS ARE THE CONDITIONING OF THE STUDENTS WITH GRADES AND TESTS. AS THEY GET OLDER THEY WONDER, DOES THIS COUNT FOR A GRADE OR WILL IT BE ON A TEST? (don't mind the all caps, it was caps lock) #whatisschool
A2. Dopey imposed deadlines & arbitrary obstacles like “every student’s completed assignment is due on the same day” & “no retakes.”
If the work is worth doing EVERYONE should be expected to do it. So I created the No Red Lights rubric. Try try again! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #whatisschool
A2 I remember being dinged for using content or techniques, which while correct, were not those taught in class. This is really really bad. #WhatIsSchool
“Maybe when you look into your classroom, you can see one element that isn’t working right or that doesn’t justify the time it gets...That’s where we often find an opening for change, and the teachers from Chance did.” #whatisschool@smokeylit The Curious Classroom @ShiftParadigm
A3 My Ss don’t really see barriers. They are better at work arounds than any adults I know. I’ve embraced their mess because learning goes deeper when they are seeking answers to their own questions. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit Our 3 B’s Be kind, Be neat, Be brave.
A2. Here’s an editable template with complete activity details. Let students complete checkpoints at their own pace, then move forward OR try them again as they get on the spot feedback! #WhatIsSchoolhttps://t.co/oRCgSbbYwv
A3: If it's the imposed barriers, it's vital that we edus change that narrative, by reducing things that are graded &allow for feedback &revision. Testing w/the opportunity to retest(revisiting content). This eventually gets Ss to learn for the sake of curiosity. #whatisschool
A2 Especially in STEM, but the art as well, we teach facts and products, rather than the creative process which is really the heart of the matter. #WhatIsSchool
In a myriad of ways- #WhatIsSchool some shut down and get bored. So@e struggle but push through and others will keep their natural curiosity because they are naturally inquisitive-as Ts we can more to the later if we provide more options for independent thinking
A3. I also find some will ask an adult for help and others will try and problem solve on their own. MS can be a tough age socially and Ss worry about how they are perceived by their peers. #whatisschool
A3) I worry that students who encounter barriers to curiosity at school CLAM UP, SHUT DOWN, COMPLY, ACQUIESCE... and over time each barrier they encounter stifles and stymies curiosity. #whatisschool
In a myriad of ways- #WhatIsSchool some shut down and get bored. Some struggle but push through and others will keep their natural curiosity because they are naturally inquisitive-as Ts we can more to the later if we provide more options for independent thinking
A3 if Ss interests and wonderings aren’t important to the teacher then the content is most likely not important to the student. I see boredom and “misbehavior” as a common response but it’s really a teacher / school problem not a student problem #whatisschool
It has to begin with educators wondering - then modeling that for students - next comes the amazing skill of being able to ask questions that encourage group discussions rather than back and forth banter. #Whatisschool
A3 Barriers like the Barrier Reef, Kids find a way to swim around
#whatisschool It’s when they can’t navigate, those faces let you know you’ve failed, not them (caveat most of my experience with toddlers to kinder and now subbing to 2nd Grade)
A3 Mostly they are stifled. They are directed towards the approaches and behaviors that get the rewards and positive feedback. Sometimes they are frustrated and act out or abandon school. It is very damaging. #WhatIsSchool
A3. Collaborate. Discuss with classmates. Look closer. Review notes and try, try, again. Problem solving as a team is a PERFECT approach to 21st century classrooms! #whatisschool
A3: This question makes me smile… When I was a kid and an adult would avoid my question or not answer, it made me even more curious. I just had to know why! Or how it worked. I think that’s why I love to be a teacher, because I see the curiosity & yearn to learn. #Whatisschool
I realized today that I need to make their curious question writing a daily thing. They need more opportunities to wonder...#whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
In reply to
@ChouinardJahant, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A3 I’ve been watching different types of response. once they get older, they seem to simply adjust to the system and settle down. others keep the curiosity flame going on, participating in activities outside school #WhatIsSchool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A4. At school I will coach and guide, but not do the work for them. Some really struggle with this. I find building their confidence and showing them they can do it is extremely powerful! #whatisschool
No matter how engaging a teacher - how interesting the lesson- how fun the activity- students learn differently and have unique interests- the more choice, collaborative learning and stronger relationships that are in place #whatisschool the more we can do to help every student
A3 Ss focus on finding the 'right' answer vs being open to learning new things, using new ways of learning. Ss often disengage/get frustrated if they are not learning they way they are used to. Over time, and with practice curiosity sneaks into their world again! #whatisschool
Q4: stop and listen, really listen when the question is being asked. Respond back with follow up questions. It’s ok to ask them why questions as well. Gets them thinking at a deeper level. #WhatIsSchool
A4 My teammate @MelissaDavis21 and I attended a workshop by @smokeylit last month because we wanted to learn more about incorporating curiosity into our instruction. I’m slowly reading his book, taking notes, & following through on lightbulb moments. @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
A4. Here is an example of what @smokeylit did to share aspects of himself with students. Students are naturally curious about their teachers and their peers. #whatisschool
The more I read of The Curious Classroom, the more I realize we need to keep the curiosity burning all the way through college...lifelong wonderers. #whatisschool
In reply to
@JoanaRSSousa, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A4(1/2) : At home w/ my kids, we talk about what we learned in school and what was an exciting or fun time. we talk about upcoming assignments and tests to avoid stress and to make sure we organized with our tasks. #whatisschool
A4 My teammate @MelissaDavis21 and I attended a workshop by @smokeylit last month because we wanted to learn more about incorporating curiosity into our instruction. I’m slowly reading his book, taking notes, & following through on lightbulb moments. @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
A4 i save all the kids questions and use them on our philosophy inquiries. I asked them “what do you want to do? what do you want to know? - and let them choose the theme of the dialogue #WhatIsSchool
A4 As part of the learning I’ve seen teachers’ have a space where kids write thoughts and questions. Making it part of the everyday routine. After read alouds a period of reflections and questions, my favorite part of my teaching day #whatisschool
A4- My 5 yo said
"I just have SO MANY QUESTIONS!"- so we started a book where we could record them as soon as they were asked. Previously- if we didn't address them right away, they could be forgotten. Now we tackle a few each day and tick them off as we go- #whatisschool
If you ever have the chance to hear him present, GO. Best PD I've attended in ages!!! #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit I'm slowly reading each chapter and looking for ways to give my Ss more chances to wonder every day.
In reply to
@mjjohnson1216, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A4 My teammate @MelissaDavis21 and I attended a workshop by @smokeylit last month because we wanted to learn more about incorporating curiosity into our instruction. I’m slowly reading his book, taking notes, & following through on lightbulb moments. @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
I am also careful to include the creative process and context in the how and why science and engineering progress was made. The actual process and practice of science is not well taught until grad school. #WhatIsSchool
Just realized I repeated myself...I can't stop thinking about what I learned, though. I'm looking forward to reading another chapter this weekend:) #whatisschool@smokeylit
A4: @ school,no high-stakes tests&allow 4 revisions after review. Everything requires collaboration&revision&feedback. When skills r infused &emphasized, the content is the backdrop.They r focusing on how they learn which helps them love what they learn(most often) #whatisschool
A4. I use #gamification to transform our entire class into a yearlong race for the American Dream. Blowing compliance out of the water through LOTS of #studentchoice and #studentvoice to shift the emphasis away from grades and onto AUTHENTIC. LEARNING! #whatisschool#EDrenaline
A4 #whatisschool A strong, supportive neighborhood- a safe haven built on trust and respect- mindfulness strategies and collaboration- when a community is in place- students feel confident to break open the box and break barriers
A4 as a science teacher we do a lot of labs where Ss explore concepts - they are curious about what happened - as the T I need to share their excitement and wonder - and ask Q to push them further #whatisschool
A4: In first grade, I have a question box that the kids can use. Sense some don’t write yet, I encourage Ss to draw a picture and then write their name with their inquiry. Then, during study time, recess or when I have lunch with them; I try to answer their question #Whatisschool
A4. @smokeylit shared that when students share a curiosity about a topic - webcam with eagle having eggs - allow them voice and choice in exploring the topic further. #whatisschool
we go from traditional games, that they play with and transform it into thinking games. in Portuguese we have a game called quantos queres and I adapt it w/ questions. I share my work at my blog, mostly in Portuguese https://t.co/utbwnCEdUF#whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @egchapma, @ChouinardJahant, @dubioseducator
I started my own at the same time so he can see me writing down my questions too- I'll be starting them with my Ss when we come back after the break - I can't wait! #whatisschool
It's transforming me as a teacher. Tomorrow I'm going to show my Ss a binder I started on astronauts because I've always wondered about them. They're probably not going to understand why I would have saved newspaper articles and magazine pics:) #whatisschool@smokeylit
In reply to
@JoanaRSSousa, @MelissaDavis21, @smokeylit, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
When students seem "stuck" trying to think of something they wonder about .... ask them this question ...
What was the last thing that you googled? #whatisschool
Q5 When you remove barriers and honor the natural curiosity of your students how does doing so affect their learning? Please give an example #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
When they know you’ll answer them and want to build that relationship how ‘heady” for them. Knowing the teacher values their questions & input #whatisschool
A4: In first grade, I have a question box that the kids can use. Sense some don’t write yet, I encourage Ss to draw a picture and then write their name with their inquiry. Then, during study time, recess or when I have lunch with them; I try to answer their question #Whatisschool
A5 Honoring their curiosity has increased their excitement about school. When we recently tweeted ?’s about Christmas Around the World, my Ss were excited to see who answered, and sad when we ran out of time to ask more ?’s. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
Q5. When you remove barriers and honor the natural curiosity of your students how does doing so affect their learning? Please give an example. #whatisschool
Labs are a great example. When I was a TA, we were given highly prescriptive processes for the students. Neither we, nor they, had much creative freedom. Even then though, I always included an extra credit option for the students to develop something additional. #WhatIsSchool
Q5. When you remove barriers and honor the natural curiosity of your students how does doing so affect their learning? Please give an example. #whatisschool
I think there are great YouTubes about astronauts (food, hair, bathroom) very interesting questions. Wish I could tell you more, but it’s out there #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @JoanaRSSousa, @MelissaDavis21, @smokeylit, @ShiftParadigm
2/2 For Q - I ask their thoughts on what they think could have happened, why did they get their results, how could we use this info in real life? Does their result link to other experiences they have noticed #whatisschool
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @egchapma, @leemaxfield29, @cherylabla
“Looked at over a whole day of school, a fifteen minute soft start is an investment in the overall seven-hour outcome. Kids will accomplish more ‘net learning’ if they start that day in the driver’s seat.” @smokeylit The Curious Classroom @ShiftParadigm#whatisschool
A5. It allows them to come up with new ideas and their learning soars. Thinking about the student who had the book about the Titanic read to him ... over the weekend he created a replica of the boat using tin foil (that's all he could find in his house). #whatisschool
A4: took a Pd with @jen_slavick once where she asked more questions than she answered and guided us to ask our own without providing answers. Never told us whether we were right or wrong. That’s where I want to get to. #WhatIsSchool
This is very insightful. I realized today how much I need to be in tune with them. Some of my Ss don't talk much. I'm trying written conversations to get them to open up more. #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit had some great examples of written conversations:)
In reply to
@snordenWSUproud, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
They call me over to share their findings - even though I have experienced the outcome many times, I push my level of enthusiasm and energy to match theirs. 1/2 #whatisschool
#whatisschool a4 One of the simplest but biggest yes factors was a Principal who improved internet speed plus allowed students into cafe at 8am. Meaning they were using laptops safely. Improved attendance Many have only wifi at school.
Absolutely! That will be the idea with my 1st/2nd graders. With my 5 yo we search out books which might be able to help us - finding the answer loses importance as time goes on because we end up getting sidetracked with more qs- it's just encouraging the process #whatisschool
Remember when computer paper use to come out in L O N G streams? I created banners for each teacher's room in the building with the words .....
I wonder .......
#whatisschool
Q6 The next time you are at school, what else will you to honor and encourage the natural curiosity of your students? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
@ShiftParadigm
A person who is new to education ... educators following her can learn about the courses she is taking and help support her along the way.
#whatisschool
A1: I love watching my students ask "why" because it shows genuine interest and curiosity. They are constantly exploring and looking to gain new knowledge! #whatisschool
A6 give them time to think and to ask questions, create a time to think in group and to share their questions, let them experience different ways of asking questions -we can paint a question? we can build a question? #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
Collaborate with my students to design fun and interesting lessons. Provide the standard and let them choose their demonstration of learning #whatisschool
Q6 The next time you are at school, what else will you to honor and encourage the natural curiosity of your students? #whatisschool@ShiftParadigm@smokeylit
A6 be PRESENT! I find that if I am WITH my students and I enter their space I am more open to following their paths of discovery vs puxhing my own agenda. When I am tired or pushed for time, I need to stop and remind myself to enter their space! #Whatisschool
A6: don’t say no. Document and validate questions. Allow time and space for exploration and play. That is where curiosity thrives. (Ps thrive is my #oneword2019. Working on using it during every chat. Since I chat a lot, I’ll use it a lot, lol!!! 😂😂😂) #whatisschool
A2: Oftentimes, the basicness and strictness of core curriculum is very limiting to students who have questions beyond what is taught in textbooks. At home, if parents are not actively helping their child by answering their questions, it inhibits curiosity #whatisschool
A6 Just found out I’m subbing in 1st on Monday. So important to let students interact with each other, spend time to see how their winter break went. Would love to see how we can extend that in ways they want, and leave the other “stuff” behind.
#whatisschool
#whatisschool a5 My biggest example would be that my students show up for testing because they know they can have a go.
2nd e.g Numbers of students doing final year language stayed above state ave whilst I was still there. They knew they had multiple ppl they could prac with
A6. It could also be called a "Passion Notebook"
Do you have one?
I keep my "wonderings" in a file on my computer that stays open all of the time.
#whatisschool
A3: some students take to alternative resources, which is often the internet. some may feel shut down and eventually stop asking further questions if their curiosity is not being appeased #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A5 I feel like just the word barrier holds such a negative context. Restricting any opportunity to learn is wrong on so many levels. While I understand the importance of guiding standards, they should be just that...a guide! #WhatIsSchool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
Thank you so much for joining us today for Curious Classrooms. Please join us next week for Part 2: Sharing Your Curiosity with Students. Please thank my co-moderator @ShiftParadigm for being an awesome Coach. For more information please follow @smokeylit. #whatisschool
A6 give them time to think and to ask questions, create a time to think in group and to share their questions, let them experience different ways of asking questions -we can paint a question? we can build a question? #whatisschool
In reply to
@deem_ellen, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit
A6. I use my class Twitter feed to document and celebrate my students *in real time* as they learn through exploration and discovery. Then we share the photo & video in a weekly newsletter to reflect, laugh, and continue learning together. #WhatIsSchool
A5: It verifies that their curiosity is natural and okay. It shows them that asking questions is a GOOD thing and it's good to always want to know more. It also opens many more doors to knowledge that they might not have ever gotten from textbooks and lessons #whatisschool
A2: There are really 2 barriers I often see. One is lack of time. To allow natural curiosity to run its course takes time, & many Ts prefer to "stick to the plan." Another barrier is the fear of losing control. You never know where curiosity will take your class! #whatisschool
A3: Honestly, many of them quit engaging. Sometimes it's because they don't what to do. Other times it's because they lack the confidence to move forward into the unknown. Finally, they fear failure. Encouraging them to take risks to see what happens is imperative! #whatisschool
I left the workshop so energized...I knew I needed to share and get more of my PLN in the conversation. He understands what Ss need and what challenges we face. #whatisschool
In reply to
@Dunnie98, @ShiftParadigm, @smokeylit, @deem
We hold grade level and vertical teaam meetings once a week to discuss trends we are seeing. We then adjust our teaching to help meet the shortfalls and eliminate trends. We are also a school of the arts so we build curriculuim into our arts programs! #whatisschool
