Today's #AprilBlogADay topic is How to Build a More Powerful Classroom by Letting Go. Right. I feel like I write about this a lot, but it's important, so right the heck on, man. Let's let go.
If you've read my previous entries, you'll know that this is something I believe in. It is also something I struggle with. I know, in my heart that there are things that they can do, and I know that letting them do things for themselves is way more powerful. There are times, though, that it's scary letting them have control. There are times it's annoying! The good thing about this is that giving them power means that you start off with the power, and they're more likely to recognize your authority when you support their decisions. They're also more likely to understand when you have to step in.
The thing is, sometimes when you find it a bit annoying, or a bit scary, they may feel that way, too. And when you have that intuition that you need to step in, those are often the same times that they won't mind the help. If nothing else, they'll understand.
It is seldom that giving my students the reins hasn't paid off. It doesn't always work, but they respect that I'm game to try. Together, we learn from it. I learn where they still need support, and they learn from their mistakes. And we know, learning from mistakes is so much more powerful than just getting it right by luck.
So find where you can let go, and let your students lead. Wade in slowly if you must. Take your time. It'll be okay.
If you've read my previous entries, you'll know that this is something I believe in. It is also something I struggle with. I know, in my heart that there are things that they can do, and I know that letting them do things for themselves is way more powerful. There are times, though, that it's scary letting them have control. There are times it's annoying! The good thing about this is that giving them power means that you start off with the power, and they're more likely to recognize your authority when you support their decisions. They're also more likely to understand when you have to step in.
The thing is, sometimes when you find it a bit annoying, or a bit scary, they may feel that way, too. And when you have that intuition that you need to step in, those are often the same times that they won't mind the help. If nothing else, they'll understand.
It is seldom that giving my students the reins hasn't paid off. It doesn't always work, but they respect that I'm game to try. Together, we learn from it. I learn where they still need support, and they learn from their mistakes. And we know, learning from mistakes is so much more powerful than just getting it right by luck.
So find where you can let go, and let your students lead. Wade in slowly if you must. Take your time. It'll be okay.