It is that time of year when teachers are diligently working to set up the perfect learning environment for their students. They are thinking about those first learning activities and long term units, classroom seating, parent communication, making copies and so much more. It is also the perfect time to REMEMBER what is most important; creating CLASSROOM CULTURES where thinking is VALUED, VISIBLE and ACTIVELY PROMOTED.
I thought I would offer a break from the name tag writing and the class list posting (you know you are going to get a new student anyway) and ask two questions…
- How can we INVEST in developing a 21st Century Culture?
- What MESSAGES are we sending to our students about what we VALUE?
For the next 8 days, I will share thoughts through the lens of the 8 Cultural Forces from Ron Ritchhart’s book Intellectual Character. Hopefully during this hectic time we can support each other in staying focused on the big picture and the reason we went into this profession…to impact student thinking!
Tomorrow…Establishing 21st Century Routines and Stuctures