“If the experience of “doing school” destroys children’s spirit to learn, their sense of wonder, their curiosity about the world, and their willingness to care for the human condition, have we succeeded as educators, no matter how well our students do on standardized tests?” – ASCD Smart Brief
The current issue of Educational Leadership is titled “The Positive School”. I was particularly drawn to an article called “Joy in School“. The author explores why many of our schools are not joyful places to learn – and looks at how we can bring back the joy to our schools.
This year has been a particularly challenging beginning for me, and many days I’ve found myself exhausted and frustrated – certainly not in a place to facilitate a joyful learning environment! Reading this article helped me reflect on what I believe in. Creating a joyful space for children and adults to learn together is at the top of my list. Not only do I want my students to find joy in our learning experiences, I want to find joy in my teaching.
“So teachers must strive in whatever ways they can to own their teaching so that each morning they can enter their classrooms knowing there will be golden opportunities for them—as well as for their students—to experience the joy in school.”
I am making a commitment to “own my teaching” and enter my classroom each day ready for joyful teaching and learning. How can you bring back the joy to your teaching? Perhaps this article can be a departure point to help us all reflect on what we can do to make our schools and classrooms places that encourage the spirit to learn, enhance wonder and curiosity, and cultivate a sense of caring and compassion for the human condition.
Enjoy!
katie
I read your post along with the article this morning. It was exactly what I needed to read after feeling run-down and exhausted. In the shower this morning I thought about how I could change our day to help bring about more joy for all. We released our butterflies today and cheered in the courtyard as they flew away. Up in the classroom we had a wonderful journaling time and scientists’ meeting. It was noisy, a little chaotic, and joyful. Thank you for posting this