Friday, July 19, 2013

Part of THEIR WORLD

I learned several years ago that as a teacher of a 6-7 year old, I needed to be 'part of their world'. I had a student write an incredible story one day. I had never seen him write so well. The plot was outstanding as well as the description of the characters. I was talking about it at dinner with my own kids. My youngest looked at me and said, "Umm, mom, that's a cartoon on Nick Jr." Duh! While it had been a wonderful retelling on my student's part, it wasn't HIS original idea. After that, I decided I needed to GET INFORMED and be 'part of THEIR WORLD'! So I have some little helpers now that help me stay current on all the latest TV shows, hit songs, cool fashions, new toys, and movies  (just to name a few).
Here are my experts! My five oldest grandkids. Ranging in the expert kid age of 11 to 5 years old.

We've had a blast going to the latest summer movies for kids. We've seen Monster's University and Despicable Me 2 but we still have 2 more to go- Turbo and Airplanes. We've gone shopping for school clothes and checked out the hit YouTube videos (Taylor Swift is their #1). Ninjago is way cool and Finneas and Ferb are really funny. Needless to say, they've taught me lots!

Now when a kiddo in my class says, "let me be the first to say- ewww". I'll know where that came from. When they start talking about Ninjago I'll know it's a Lego toy. I'll be able to carry on an intelligent conversation with them and maybe, just maybe, be able to connect, bond, or motivate them.

If you can't tell, I LOVE spending time with these cuties! They keep me informed, up-to-date, and 'part of their world! Which makes me a better teacher!



4 comments:

Teaching Little Miracles said...

Sheree,

You're right...sometimes I don't know what the kiddos are talking about and they have to explain it to me! Ha!

On writing though...one time I read a story and it was great! I was so proud, praised the child, etc. Only to be told by another student (in front of the class) that it was the story on the front of our writing journal! Talk about having to find a nice way to backtrack! ;-) And now I really pay attention to any sample writing in my room so I don't make that same mistake!

Crystal
Teaching Little Miracles

Mrs. Anderson said...

When my own children were little I was up to date on all the latest and greatest movies, cartoon characters and toys. Now my students bring up things I've never heard about and so I tell them, "Let's Google it." I don't have any grandchildren yet, so I'm out of the loop.
Connie Anderson

Welcome To First Grade Room 5

Oceans of First Grade Fun said...

Okay...that's a good idea! I need to recruit my nieces and nephews to help me with this.

Barbara said...

Had to laugh:). I'm pretty clueless about this stuff, too. Hopefully OWL will keep me up to speed in another four years!

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