One strategy that I use to help students take initiative is choice. I give the students choice in which books they want to read (I have taught them how to pick appropriate books). I also give them choice in how they want to work that day - Read to Self, Read to Someone or Work on Writing. I encourgage them to not always pick the same way, but I think the choice they have helps them take initiative in their learning.
In first grade, we force the students to take initiative on a lot of things that they want someone to do for them. When they ask me for help, I always tell them to try to figure it out themselves first, ask a friend second and then, if nothing else works, I will help them. I believe that teaching the little kiddos to take initiative on the most basic of things (opening snacks, tying shoes, figuring out what to do next) will lay the foundation for them to take more initiative in their future educational pursuits.
One strategy I give children is choices. At the earlychildhood level teaching children to take intiative in their learning is to help build their confidence in taking academic risks. I feel the way to do this is allow children choicesand to build their confidence in those choices which helps empower them. Its ok to make mistakes and it is ok to not always have the right answers. The way we teach this in the classroom is to point out our mistakes and choices(to help show children we all make mistakes) and to encourage all answers with positive feed back.
In both reading groups and in math, I have a list of "Must Do" activities that kids work through at thier own pace. Once they finish, there are a variety of fun "May Do" choices from which they may choose. This helps them learn to pace themselves and complete important work in a timely fashion since they want to get to the May Do choices.
I use questioning, access prior knowledge to create interest in the topic which motivates them to learn more. Then we use choice and colloboration so the reluctant "sharers" are comfortable getting involved.
In science, students are very motivated by all the hands-on group activities. They take initiative within their group by volunteering their ideas and taking part in the group project. They are all doing quite well with taking turns and sharing the work. No one is allowed to just sit there and suck their thum:)
I give kids choices and give them leadership roles. Also, I used Multiple Intelligences for the kids to use their MI to lead a discuussion or do a project
My students love to have choices and goals they make for themselves. When the students work in teams they enjoy helping each other and having leadership roles. I incorporate that in my lessons all the time.
One strategy I use to give students initiative is by influencing them to take chances and think outside the box. I model the most "obvious" ideas and then challenge them to take initiative to find different ideas to accomplish a task. They have become very creative in finding different solutions to tasks. When all else fails, I bribe them!
I bring in photos, objects, etc. that link with concepts learned recently. The students often make this link and then, with a little bridge building,they often take the initiative to engage and understand the next concept.
One strategy that I use to help students take initiative is choice. I give the students choice in which books they want to read (I have taught them how to pick appropriate books). I also give them choice in how they want to work that day - Read to Self, Read to Someone or Work on Writing. I encourgage them to not always pick the same way, but I think the choice they have helps them take initiative in their learning.
ReplyDeleteCreativity is what I'm all about. I now try to make the students more aware of what they are doing creatively.
ReplyDeleteIn first grade, we force the students to take initiative on a lot of things that they want someone to do for them. When they ask me for help, I always tell them to try to figure it out themselves first, ask a friend second and then, if nothing else works, I will help them. I believe that teaching the little kiddos to take initiative on the most basic of things (opening snacks, tying shoes, figuring out what to do next) will lay the foundation for them to take more initiative in their future educational pursuits.
ReplyDeleteOne strategy I give children is choices. At the earlychildhood level teaching children to take intiative in their learning is to help build their confidence in taking academic risks. I feel the way to do this is allow children choicesand to build their confidence in those choices which helps empower them. Its ok to make mistakes and it is ok to not always have the right answers. The way we teach this in the classroom is to point out our mistakes and choices(to help show children we all make mistakes) and to encourage all answers with positive feed back.
ReplyDeleteIn both reading groups and in math, I have a list of "Must Do" activities that kids work through at thier own pace. Once they finish, there are a variety of fun "May Do" choices from which they may choose. This helps them learn to pace themselves and complete important work in a timely fashion since they want to get to the May Do choices.
ReplyDeleteI use questioning, access prior knowledge to create interest in the topic which motivates them to learn more. Then we use choice and colloboration so the reluctant "sharers" are comfortable getting involved.
ReplyDeleteIn science, students are very motivated by all the hands-on group activities. They take initiative within their group by volunteering their ideas and taking part in the group project. They are all doing quite well with taking turns and sharing the work. No one is allowed to just sit there and suck their thum:)
ReplyDeleteI have given kids more choices to encourgage them to work and think creatively. Questioning-- "What other way could you do that?"
ReplyDeleteI give kids choices and give them leadership roles. Also, I used Multiple Intelligences for the kids to use their MI to lead a discuussion or do a project
ReplyDeleteMy students love to have choices and goals they make for themselves. When the students work in teams they enjoy helping each other and having leadership roles. I incorporate that in my lessons all the time.
ReplyDeleteHappy reader is my teammate...ditto to her!! =)
ReplyDeleteOne strategy I use to give students initiative is by influencing them to take chances and think outside the box. I model the most "obvious" ideas and then challenge them to take initiative to find different ideas to accomplish a task. They have become very creative in finding different solutions to tasks. When all else fails, I bribe them!
ReplyDeleteI bring in photos, objects, etc. that link with concepts learned recently. The students often make this link and then, with a little bridge building,they often take the initiative to engage and understand the next concept.
ReplyDelete