SSA or student selected activity

I decided to write about this because I think we need to appreciate the importance of SSA. I have been at home lately waiting for my work permit to come through (more time for blogging!)My son came home yesterday from school and told me that the little cherubs in my class were very upset because they were not allowed SSA. What constitutes SSA? Well, I have a number of interesting math and spelling actvities along with countless board games and manipulatives, scrap paper, colouring pencils, etc. Every Wednesdays, I allow these angels free reign and for half an hour...welcome to chaos in my classroom! This time is theirs and no one tells them what to do. School life can be so structured and stifling for the kids and we need to find opportunities to empower them and allow them to decide what they want to learn. I know, structure is important, but hey, look at the way their faces light up when its SSA.
SSA is about choice, freedom, and fun. That's the time when true learning takes place. The clever teacher should be craftily designing interesting learning activites and tell the students (very innocently) that it's just another game. They'll definitely learn what you want them to, pretty quickly. Ah yes, lastly, dont sit at your desk and blog during that time! Get on your knees and play with them.Scream (level 4), holler (level 3 and a half) and get your hands dirty. They will love you all the more :)

Comments

Unravelling the inquiry cycle in a PYP class room

“ People can make choices to support the sustainability of the Earth’s energy resources .” Me to students : Does that make sense? Students to me : (after a while)...not really... Their understanding of "energy" during the pre-assessment task also reflected a superficial knowledge of the term. And thus our unit of inquiry started. As I was browsing the net, I came across this picture prompt- a map, which I thought would serve as a great provocation. The annual energy consumption per person . Kids love guessing where countries are, so it was a great way to address some geography at this point. I had also been reading Craig Dwyer's post which inspired me to change my inquiry cycle and use a simpler one. Wonder (while exploring)- Explore (while wondering)- Create (while reflecting)- Reflect (with subsequent wonderings). I was feeling more at ease now. The map allowed the students to make a lot of inferences based on patterns which slowly

Summative assessment- simple machines

The student task : to design a machine that would : a) pop a balloon b) lift a bucket of water c) ring a bell d) push a ball into a hole Criteria: They must must design a machine using atleast 2 simple machines. They have to use IT skills and upload their video on Youtube, generate the embed code and transfer same to blog. Their video must be clear and creative. Though some of these students may be struggling with the language, using correct scientific vocabulary ensures that their presentations are clearly understood.

A teacher's antidote to stress

Life can become hectic for us teachers. What does a Friday feel like to you sometimes? By the end of the day, I feel like having a hot bath, switching off my mobile phone, and ignoring everyone around me. For my Masters program, the first thing we were made aware of was the intense stress teachers go through and how important it is to make time for yourself. I always felt selfish when I took out a little 'me' time. My kids would be banging on the door while I was getting a massage done at home. When I would come out after one hour, feeling happy, I would get sarcastic looks from everyone in the house! But I always knew that if I did not take out some time for myself, I would get mad! I love Hatha Yoga. Every morning I feel and enjoy the stretches; I am conscious of how I breath. I silently communicate with my body and get to know it. With a little practice, this becomes a really good habit. I love smooth pebbles! I collect them whenever I see one that intrigues me

Learning Never Stops

Search This Blog