Get To Know Your Students
Today I have a controversial suggestion for you.
If you don’t have an outdoor learning environment…
Today I challenge you to take your students outside to play.
Yep, I did it. I said the “p” word.
“How long?” you ask.
ONE HOUR.
I know, scandalous, right?!
If your time table allows and you don’t have to go to another activity such as Art, Music, P.E. or Library, give your students at least one hour of uninterrupted time to explore, create, investigate – in other words, play outdoors.
take them to the playground.
“What am I supposed to do?” you ask.
Preferably as little as possible. Let them play independently and freely, as long as they are safe.
This would be a great time to observe them. You can learn a lot about your students when they are playing in your outdoor learning area or even on the playground.
How do the children group themselves for play? Who plays alone? Does the child play alone by choice or because of exclusion?
What problems arise?
How do the children solve problems? Do they give up easily? Do they try multiple solutions? How quickly do they ask for an adult’s help?
What do they like to play? Do they become engrossed in their play? Does any child flit from one play situation to another like a bee collecting pollen from flower to flower?
Who parallel plays? Who does imaginary play? Who does constructive play? Who does role-play?
Does a leader emerge, someone who tries to direct the play of their peers? Who accepts this direction? Who challenges it? Who walks away from conflict?
Who doesn’t know how to play? Does anyone announce, “I’m bored” when expected to come up with and engage in their own play ideas?
Often times while watching my students play, I take observational notes. Each week I video segments of their play, too. Later, my teammates and I watch the videos and analyze the children’s social, fine motor, gross motor and thinking skills. You will be surprised what you can learn about your students’ knowledge, interests and skills when you observe their play.
Why not spend one hour on one day getting to know your students better? You might gather some valuable insights that will make connecting with your students, teaching them and planning for their learning a little easier.
