In addition, Ms. Leom changed seats for both classes today. That usually "buys" at least a week of calmer moments. Students are busy figuring out their new seat mates.
Today felt and sounded more like a Friday, WITH an exciting event planned. Students had a lot to talk about. Maybe there is a weather change happening ... some blizzard the meteorologists haven't announced yet ... ?
So Ms. Leom had to pull out one of her favorites from her teacher "bag of tricks" ... time to sit back and relax.
Not long ago, Ms. Leom was reading one of her many "professional books" (each year, she tries to read a handful to be open to new theories and trends). It talked about how today's students no longer know how to be quiet and comfortable in their silence. They spend most of their time entertained by various media, activities, and interactions, that they struggle to quiet and calm themselves. (There was significantly more, but you get the basics of the idea). For many parents, it isn't really a new idea.
Usually, this strategy to settle her class doesn't get pulled out and implemented until when the Spring weather calls students outside to run and play without the snow and all the cold gear of our climate. So we are starting early.
This is what it looks like:
We will add to the "daydream" time to build stamina, not going beyond five minutes. The longer students have to relax their minds and bodies, the more success and longer they are able to concentrate in class.
There are other strategies we will use as well. Mrs. Beckman, one of our Phy-Ed teachers, has provided a collection of "Jammin' Minute" videos. We can access the videos for times when our bodies need to move. When students appear sluggish, or wandering and off-task choices appear to be a concern, we will view the Jammin Minute videos and engage in physical activity.
As a staff, we really try to observe the students and make decisions based on their learning needs. We look for ways to channel their energy, to stretch their brains, and make proactive opportunities for their success. It is not a "punishment" to sit back, relax your mind, and take some quiet time for yourself. It is a successful strategy to managing our busy learning day.
Ask your fourth grader what s/he thought about today. Feel free to talk about places they could visit in their minds or activities you enjoy as a family they could remember.