What I Learned at a Responsive Classroom Workshop
I’ve been a fan of Responsive Classroom strategies ever since a colleague recommended to me the fantastic book Teaching Children to Care. This past week I had the good fortune to attend a Responsive Classroom workshop. It was so inspiring to explore new ways of working with so many devoted educators.
Most of the other attendees were public school teachers – out of over 100 participants, I was the only Waldorf teacher. It was interesting to hear about the challenges and inspirations the other teachers face and I found that though our curricula and circumstances are different, our motivations are the same.
The best thing about the workshop was that as we learned about the strategies, we participated in them, so we could really experience how effective they are at creating a supportive learning environment. Some of my big takeaways from this week …
Big Takeaways
- Interactive Learning Structures – I learned so many different ways of grouping students and giving them discussion prompts and activities to explore together. I will definitely implement many of them in my lessons to mix up the social atmosphere.
- Energizers – I have often found my toolkit a little lacking when it comes to giving my students little activities to let them stretch and move in the middle of a lesson. Though some of the activities we learned are more appropriate for younger students, there were plenty I can bring to the 8th graders next year.
- Creating Rules – One of the best things about Responsive Classroom is the structure and format the approach outlines for involving students in the rule-making process. The process begins by guiding students through creating a list of their “hopes and dreams” for the year. I went through the process when my students were in fourth grade, and though I worried that they would find it a little beneath them, they actually received it really well. Their hopes for the year were touching and meaningful and I have no doubt the 8th graders will bring just as much meaning to the process this year.
I’m so inspired about it, I’m hoping to bring some of these strategies to my colleagues in our before-school meetings.
If you’re curious about how you can implement some Responsive Classroom strategies, I encourage you to check out some of their resources. Here are some places to get started.
Previous Posts
How Responsive Classroom Helps Waldorf Students Succeed
Direct Instruction
Websites
Responsive Classroom Official Site
Why Is Everyone So Nice Here (article on Edutopia)
Overview article on Teach.com
Responsive Classroom YouTube Channel
Responsive Classroom Practices Teach the Whole Child article
Books
The First Six Weeks of School – If you get just one book before school starts, make it this one.
Teaching Children to Care – My favorite all-time practical teaching book.
The Morning Meeting Book – Looking for a little more structure for your morning circle time? Or want some ideas for how to make it accessible for older students, too? This is a good one.
The Joyful Classroom – This one is full of energizers, interactive learning structures and all kinds of practical ways to make learning interesting and engaging for your students.
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