"But she was helping me and I want her to help me finish." When trying to move to a new activity, I was surprised and impressed by a student's comment. Why? Because this class is an inclusion class. Students of varying physical and mental strengths and weaknesses are brought together to learn history. "Can you find Europe on the map? Now what about Spain?" Does this sound familiar for a teacher encouraging student discovery...well, it's not. These quotes are from a student who doesn't want to "DO" another student's work, but instead wants to use their talent of teaching others, to direct students on their own learning journey. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Within an inclusive classroom, students are growing in social and self development as they learn their own biases and how their actions affect others - AND how to use their strengths to support others. In my class, success is independent; but, students are mindful that success is also using their strengths to their full potential - which might just be helping others be successful in their own ways. I am not teaching students how to be helpers; I am teaching them how to ask one another if they need help in an empowering way. Everyone is able - our task, together, is to find out how.
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AuthorGrowing with students in the garden of life. Archives
August 2020
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