Today’s blog features unforgettable classroom experiences that I had in elementary school. I benefitted from these rich learning tasks and in turn these memories spurred me on to design similar experiences for my students. I hope some of my students remember what I taught decades later!
Cross Curricular Drama Lessons
As a kid who loved to play and use my imagination, I have vivid memories of combining science and history with role play. One year, we were allowed to include costumes with environmental presentations. One student came dressed as a raindrop as he explained acid rain.
In French class we often performed skits to practice new vocabulary. The teacher would have children’s clothes or food on hand so we could pretend we were shopping.
In language class in grade 3 we read plays and were challenged to perform a scene. I remember being a mountain goat, kicking and bleating my heart out! Then in grade 7 English we studied Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” and I got to take my performances to the stage.
Guest Speakers
A change from the routine made for a very memorable day in elementary school. Meeting artists and singers brought us joy and learning. In grade 2, one of the parents in my class came to teach origami and talk about her country of origin, Japan.
In grade 5 we had a musician visit the class and play a variety of instruments that were not normally available to us. Rich learning experiences are easily created when teachers invite guests into the classroom.
As a teacher, some of my favourite days have included bringing guest speakers, especially Indigenous elders or dancers/drummers/singers. It is a responsibility we carry as treaty people to build these relationships. I also appreciate having older adults as guest speakers. Some students have no exposure to seniors and they may not realize the importance of a lifetime of experiences.
Two First Nation guest speakers who were presented with a quilt and a blanket made by my colleague, ETFO member Shelley Miehe.
Hands-On Learning
Paper airplane making was the task we were given in grade 5 for a study of manufacturing. Our group members each had specific roles and responsibilities. My group did not make the most airplanes but we had high quality!
Our grade 6 teacher had us create a relief map of Australia using salt/flour dough. We then painted the project. This was a fantastic way to help us interpret a 2D map.
Learning Outdoors
When I attended an urban school in grade 4, we walked through the area trying to find where the water traveled above and below ground. We looked for evidence of sewer grates and then mapped out the nearby stream and reservoir. We also went around the area taking tree bark rubbings to use for collages in art. The idea was to cut out various shapes and glue them down to make a very eye-catching piece of art.
By grade 6 I was in a rural school with more snowy winters. We were allowed to create snow sculptures as art. Colour was part of the experience, but I don’t remember if we had spray bottles or brushes. Was it paint or food colouring? I remember being very proud of our giant, snowy caterpillar.
Current events, Poetry and Sharing
From this top 5 list, you have probably gathered that I enjoyed speaking in front of a group!
In primary grades, my teachers used the show and share model to help students get used to public speaking. We were always encouraged to bring something to share that had educational value. For example, in grade 1, I brought in my corking tool and wool to show the class how to create a craft.
Performing magic was a hobby I developed in grade 4 and my teacher allowed me to show the class some tricks and I had background music playing from my tape recorder.
Sharing current events and poetry was encouraged in grade 5 and our teacher gave out a certificate if shared 200 times. Yes, I achieved that goal along with one other friend. If I were doing it today I might have a certificate for every 25 or 50 items shared to encourage more students to participate.
I hope you found some helpful ideas here. These tasks are easily adaptable among grades and appeal to many of our learners.
What are your top 5 learning experiences? Do we have any in common?
Brenda
