Becoming a Reflective Teacher!

Ellen asked the teaching staff to use a "thinking lens", (from Deb Curtis's Learning Together with Young Children) to become a more reflective teacher. Some of us had the opportunity to share our experiences with our colleges at our teacher training day last week. A Reflective teacher...

• examines his or her own reactions to children or their actions to understand their source


• is curious about children's play and watches it closely


• documents details of children's conversations and activities


• takes time to study notes and photos to puzzle out what is significant


• eagerly shares stories about children's learning with families and co-workers


• asks co-workers and children's families for their insights


• reads professional literature to learn more


• shows children photos and stories of themselves to hear their views


• changes the environment and materials to encourage new play and learning possibilities

In preparation for our teacher training day last week, I offered a small group some interesting materials to play with, while the children played with the magnitiles and jewels on mirrors at the rectangular table, I sat next to the children closely with a clip board, pen and camera. I tried to capture specific details of what I heard and saw. I asked the children to describe what they were doing and their ideas. I sat there for some time and observed. If I shared all the conversation, the goings and comings, at that table, I would be writing forever. So, it is my pleasure to share with you specific details of Aden's and Oliver's conversations and activities. Lauri- "Aden what's your idea here,can you tell me more about what you are doing with the magnitiles?" Aden-" I am trying to fold this up(the small magnitile squares) and I can't get it to stand up!" Lauri- "Aden you seem frustrated." Oliver-"I know, you can use a big square and take away the little squares then it should work!" Oliver handed Aden a big square, and it was all down hill from there! Aden was then able to continue to build a structure, that was going to "stop bad guys". I pointed out to both boys how Oliver's idea to use the big square helped Aden problem solve, and it worked! Then I turned to Aden and said," It helps to share ideas with our friends and it's okay to ask friends for help if you are stuck. " We can all can teach and help each other!