In Chapter 1, innovation is defined as a way of thinking that creates something new and better. What are some examples that you consider innovative? How is it new and better than what previously existed.
When I implement something, I implement it because I feel it will be beneficial for my students.
Review the “Critical Questions for Educators” in Chapter 2. Why are these important to understand those we serve in education? What other questions would you ask?
As I was reading the questions at the end of chapter 2, I kept thinking these are some big questions. But I don’t think being innovative is important if we don’t know our students. If we do not know our students, it makes it difficult to guide them through the learning process. So that would be number one for me - knowing your students. However, I think all these questions are important as well because it helps us look critically at what we do in the classroom.
Unfortunately, we have many constraints placed on the classroom environment, but I think the thing to look at is how can we be innovative within those constraints. I taught Developmental Kindergarten (young 5s) and had a pretty flexible program. However, as the year progressed I implemented very watered down versions of what the students would be going to the following year because I felt that would help prepare them. But within the constraints, I put on myself, I found ways to be innovative. For example, by May I knew I needed to show my students more math worksheets because they were going to that. So I did - but I added in a math shelf that students could use to reinforce math skills after they finished their work. I had different types of learning games there that students could play. It was a very small innovation but it allowed them to practice their skills while still having fun.
I do not believe innovation has to be huge, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Just like celebration tickets I gave students for achieving a learning goal, it’s small but you can’t believe the difference it made to my students.
Again, I think the critical questions are important because it helps us reflect on our practice – that’s something we all need to do every day.
Discuss one of the “characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset” below in a give an example of how you exemplify this in your work (teaching or leading)
I picked “Networked.”
However, I have to be honest – I have not a big blogger with other educators – until recently. I feel more of a drive to blog. But I have always blogged for my parents so they can see what we are doing in the classroom. I have also been big on using Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook as a source of networking. But most of my networking happens in person. I am very big on sharing ideas and working together to find what works best for students.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions or ideas, please share!
Until next time,