New Zealand Video, Post 1

After watching this New Zealand’s classroom video I was completely impressed. Shortly after, I switched into compare/contrast mode, a familiar reaction teachers have when they view other classrooms!
“What am I doing that’s like/unlike this classroom?”
“Where does she find the time??”
“Where did they get the support and training?”
“How am I ever going to get an interactive whiteboard into my classroom? But if I do, will I be as savvy as this classroom teacher obviously is.”

Oh, the doubts and guilt we educators inflict on ourselves sometimes.

Back to feeling impressed…
1. This is a student-centered classroom. It is an environment that encourages communication and creativity from multiple perspectives. Students are deeply engaged in meaningful activities throughout the entire school day.
2. The 16 Habits of Mind is reinforced and nurtured by this teacher. The district she works in must clearly see the value of supporting best practices for 21st century teaching, as well the long term benefits on a much more global scale.
3. The amount of planning on her part must be tremendous. I was mesmerized at how seamless things ran. Some of these children are six years old! Do we ever underestimate the power our students possess?

Would I like to fly to New Zealand for a visit to this classroom? Sure! As for myself, I am remaining optimistic that I will take away many new and inspiring ideas to create a classroom for my students that reflect the 16 habits of mind and incorporates 21st century skills. I still have much to learn…