As this new year is really getting under way, and for me even slightly starting over, I am thinking of all the things I am letting go off. At first scary and new, now these things are becoming familiar and worth it. So I urge myself to let go and continue to let go off
- Grades. Yes, once the cornerstone of my educational philosophy but now I am seeing them for what they are; fictional numbers scribbled on a page that does not let my students know what they excelled at or even how they may improve.
- Tests for the sake of a grade and being done with something. Instead they now work as springboards to new learning, explorations and joint adventures.
- My voice. Yes I am actually staying more quiet and letting the students do the talking.
- Rewards. Imagine a room of 28 well-behaved students that yes may get a little fidgety or even a little loud but that actually enjoy each other and the learning environment they are creating. Not punished by rewards as the wonderful Alfie Kohn would say but rather motivated by a common desire to create the best learning environment for all of us.
- Rule poster. Oh yes, that staple of classroom walls. I don’t even have one this year, of course, we have talked about it and, in fact, they often change based on the challenge we are doing, but nothing is etched permanently and neatly laminated for the sake of reminders.
- My markers. Another novel idea; let the students do the writing. No more trying to decipher my chicken scratch.
- Missing all of a recess. Sure some students stay in to work with me but when we are done they are free to run because kids need to run, not stare at me for some sort of punishment they do not understand.
- Lectures about behavior. They get it, they know when they are being too loud, or off task, address it and move on.
- Structure for the sake of control. We have a basic structure such as asking to go to the restroom but if you forget, it is ok. I forget sometimes too.
- Me being the only teacher. I think of my room as having 29s teachers plus whom ever walks into the room. Those kids know something, let them show it and watch them gravitate toward each other for more.
So ask yourself; what have you let go off this year and how has it changed you? I know that I have a long way to go but this journey is one I gladly get on every day.
Pernille Ripp 
I've also left a few of these things behind, either this year or last. The rewards system used to be a staple of my classes but I later realised it didn't change anything. Rarely did a student who lacked motivation or was poorly behaved show a huge turnaround in pursuit of a sticker or certificate. I also realised how much time I was spending making team posters, writing certificates, dealing with the 'I don't want to be in this group' complaints… Now, I don't do teams or rewards and learning in the classroom continues much the same as it did before!I've also lightened up a bit on discipline. Lectures and staying in at break only add to the child's negative feelings and resentment. I've found some (but not all!) kids respond better to a quiet, quick chat while everyone else continues with their work.I'm also handing my markers over to students more often. They enjoy being allowed to write on the board and the rest of the class seems to pay more attention to what they write than what I write!Now, if only I culd do something more about the compulsory grades and tests….
Pernille and DavidD, Wonderful suggestions and thank you for modeling changes that helps kids learn, make kids happier, and certainly makes teaching more enjoyable. Teachers seem to be collectors and savers. It is time for us to take the plunge try some new teaching strategies. Happy changing times to all. This looks like a win win for you and the kids.
Pernille, thank you so much for reminding us that we need to continue to grow and reflect as educators! The things you mention are exactly the kind of ed reform we need – ones that benefit students in a way that helps them to actually learn at a more deeper and meaningful level. I look forward to hearing more amazing examples of the impact of your growth and modeling has on kids. Thanks for another great post.