Strategy

Someone forgot to tell fourth graders that today is a MONDAY. Monday, the day that follows a weekend. Monday, the day when students return to school, slightly dazed from their weekend adventures, and although they may not admit it, happy to return to the routine, see their friends, and ready to learn. They are usually calm and follow the routine.

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:

Students are invited to "get comfortable" (safely), and the first time, even to "put their feet up" to signify this is different from past experiences. They are asked to close their eyes (this prevents making faces across the room and giggling that disrupts the process). Next, they are invited to "daydream" ... think about their weekend, their plans for Recess, or after school. We start with a small increment of time, one minute. There are several students who one minute is a stretch. Finally, the second minute, Ms. Leom has them visualize, "What would you look like if you were a responsible, respectful, honest, citizen of this classroom?" With students sitting in their relaxed position, Ms. Leom talks them through what their feet will do, legs, body, arms, hands, mouths, ears, eyes ... Finally, students are asked to open their eyes and move their bodies into a position to learn. Some visitors may have seen a version of this strategy used before Student of the Week presentations.

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.