Happy Sunday Wise Owl Families!
There's nothing better for me as a principal than walking into a classroom and hearing our students share their learning with me. I'll ask questions like, "What are you reading?" "How do you do that problem?" "Why did you write that response?" and so much more. Our students are in the thick of learning and love to share what they are doing.
As a parent, I try the same thing at home and get a bunch of: "School was good" or I get blank stares when I ask my daughters how their day was. Over time, I've realized that I wasn't asking the right questions... So, everyday, I go over the same script to get a gauge on my girls' day at WES. I would love to share that script with you, and encourage you to try and see what you get in terms of a response:
- What did your teacher read today?
- Tell me about it? Did it make you laugh? Did it make you cry? Why?
- What did you read today?
- Tell me about it? Did it make you laugh? Did it make you cry?
- What did you do in math?
- I don't remember doing that... Can you teach me?
- Did you make anyone smile today?
- Did you make anyone feel sad? How can you change that tomorrow (If you did)?
- What made you smile today?
I have found when I ask direct questions, I get a direct response from my children and get a better understanding of the day. I'll be honest.. I also ask your students these questions when I walk through the halls or step into classrooms. I want our students to be able to communicate their learning as research has shown it is the best way to determine if students are really grasping the instruction and building the skills of reflection.
We will be the best elementary school in the state!
Thank you!
#SOARingtogether
B. Gantt
