I wanted to spend this post discussing a new book I have purchased called, “Creative Schools” by Ken Robinson. This book has inspired me to try many different things with my grade six class.
1. We renamed all our subjects- our class has been thinking about relevance with the different things we learn in school. We decided to change all the names of our subjects so that they can be more suited to what we actually learn during those subjects. We have also started to tailor our projects and lessons to ones that will benefit us as a class in the present and future. No “meaningless activities” ever!
2. Recreation of schedules- the students used their survey skills, graphing skills and averaging skills so that they can choose their own schedule. They know created our class schedule so all the subjects they feel are the most meaningful for them will be studied the most. This new schedule reflects student interest and time that is best spent.
3. Class jobs- As Ken states in his book, students are best prepared for the real workplace by having jobs in the classroom in their childhood. I have now started to give students jobs weekly that really challenge them for example, post on my classroom blog, and then at the end of the week I evaluate their weekly performance. This mark goes directly onto their report in the initiative column.
4. Goal setting- Students are now creating goals for themselves and for the school. The students have these goals on their desk as the focal point for their day. Students work toward these goals daily. As they complete a goal, they get a visual sticker to remind them of what they have accomplished. These goals are for personal success as well as a celebration of their efforts toward our school. Some goals include fundraising for our school, raising money for different efforts and sports related actions.
The book has been very inspiring so far, knowing that everything in it will help inspire students in various ways. I am very proud of the changes we have made so far and I have seen a change in interest in students daily activities. I hope to continue this student led classroom for the rest of the year! I will continue to post about these initiatives.
Kelly, I am so inspired by your practical ideas while reading Ken’s book. I am also reading his book and see myself in it as a student, as a teacher and now as an independent consultant. I encourage you to continue blogging about the results of your new and further creative implementations. I know Sir Ken Robinson would be thrilled to read this as well!
Feel free to reach out to me should you like support with your work or even a chat to brainstorm creative ideas going forward.
Margaret