Monday, November 14, 2016

        So it has taken some time but I have slowly inched my way up to my soapbox.  As much conviction and passion as I have for my ideas and ideals,  I find it very challenging to write about them.  We are taught from a young age that actions speak louder than words, so I live my beliefs through my actions.  The ability to articulate them is a gift that I realize I must embrace.

       


      I have a firm conviction in the importance of teaching up in the classroom, especially in the lower grades.  This means creating reasonable yet high expectations as well as not putting a cap on what is possible for them to learn.  It is very interesting, but more times than not I encounter individuals that are surprised by the knowledge and abilities that my Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 2nd graders display.  I work very hard to create an environment and curriculum to support this, however I am not surprised at their successes.
     
      Here's why.  My students are very young and are absolute sponges,  They crave knowledge and have an undying curiosity about the world around them. I don't tell them that they are doing work that is on a first or second grade level.  They do not find it unusual to be working in a Hebrew book or doing worksheets, or even speaking in Hebrew in the classroom.  THIS IS THE REALITY THEY KNOW.  From the very beginning this was the foundation I set.  Why shouldn't I teach them information they are ready for regardless of age.

     I can already imagine quiet whispers from other educators who might argue I am pushing my students to hard to master higher level work or that I am neglecting to think about kids that may not absorb the content as quickly.  To those whispers, I would respectfully disagree,  I am not pushing them, I am creating a classroom and curriculum that inspires them to rise to the challenge.  In addition, those students who may take a little longer to comprehend the information will eventually get it and will also be at a higher level than those who are taught down to.  Meaning, one of my students that may be at 75 % - 80% comprehension or retention compared to his peers in my classroom,  is at 100% or more compared to the child that is being taught at a lower level despite the ability of the students to absorb more.

    The key in my opinion is to make the content fun and engaging.  

Whew,  I did it.  I am now descending from my soapbox.