I do the Daily 5 in my classroom (or at least, a version of it). I love it, mostly...but the more I reflect on whats happening in my classroom, the more guilt I feel about the lack of play and creativity that takes place due to the nature of the NEW kindergarten (highly academic, very little play). These kids work hard -- all. the. time. Teachers cant cut minutes from instruction, but we must NOT be complacent...we MUST find ways to return innovation and play to the kindergarten classroom. We just have to get creative in order to do it. In this Ted Talk, this statement jumped out at me: Creativity is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status. As the reading/writing teacher, I only have a few hours with my kids each day, and I cant and wont limit what I do with language arts instruction. However, I can still foster creativity on my watch. Im putting Creation Station back on rotation -- it will replace my Daily 5 center, Read to Self (the center the kids like the least). Instead of having to read solo, theyll get to create whatever they want with whatever supplies we have on hand, and then they can write about it. Therell be no model or target for them -- there is no wrong with this center. So, its driven by literacy standards, BUT fueled by the creativity of the child. These kids are bubbling over with ideas that they dont always have the chance to explore because of the rigor and pacing of their day. Its time to make the classroom more like home when it comes to facilitating innovation and creativity -- were here to inspire kids to become the best of who they are, arent we?
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 21:37:41 +0000
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