Problem Solving/Critical Thinking is how Ms. K labels the morning discussion period in her lesson plans. At the beginning of the school year, the most pressing problem the students face is how to navigate their complex classroom. There are special areas, such as the Science Table and the Classroom Library. There are special activities such as identifying the Mystery Object … [Read more...] about The Biggest Problem
Teaching to the Top
A Daily Discussion An elementary school teacher, Ms. K, said this about the discussion she leads first thing each morning: “In this time period, I teach to the top. It sets the standard for what I want. They know what they are striving for. Some people say that you should teach to the middle.” She shrugs. “I think it is very frustrating for them when you start in the middle … [Read more...] about Teaching to the Top
In Room 103
Throughout my teaching career, I alternated between periods of teaching and periods of learning about teaching. That’s how I found myself in Room 103, an elementary school classroom, observing. Each day, for the first hour of the day, for the first months of the school year, I parked myself in a corner and took notes. It was the teacher, Ms. K,* who suggested that I come at … [Read more...] about In Room 103
Story Problem
The Story Once upon a time there was a little old lady who lived in a little old house in a little old wood, not too far from a field that stretched across a long hillside. It was winter. Cold. The snow was deep. Her mind and body were going to seize up if she didn't get some fresh air and exercise. She put on showshoes and set out for the hillside. She walked all the … [Read more...] about Story Problem
Hilbert’s Hotel
Maybe you know about this place. If not, you can imagine it. The Hotel Infinity, a hotel with an infinite number of rooms. Don’t snarl your mind with trying to imagine how it was built, or which room numbers can be found down which corridors. You don’t need to guess how deep a foundation it has to sit on, how many stories it is tall, or how many sub-basements it has. Don’t … [Read more...] about Hilbert’s Hotel