Can You Think of a Better Choice?

I was setting up a printer in a 4th grade class today……….and the teacher was sharing a book with some students.   During the story, she was prompting the students’ with participation type questions.  At one point, she stopped and asked how they thought the main character felt……a student replied “sad” and the teacher said, “Oh, I know that you can think of a better word choice than that.”  The student thought for a moment and responded “despondent”….another than said “unhappy”, another said “discouraged”.   I kept working but I smiled……I was impressed with where the teacher was taking the students.

But as I continued to sit there, I wondered if this is something perhaps we need to start sharing with our teachers as well.  Especially those teachers who are good teachers….but could kick it up a notch.  What if they were challenged to “can you think of a better choice.”

Yes, the coloring in the map worksheet has worked for 10 years……….but, have you looked at google earth as another choice?

Yes, filling the the blanks on a venn diagram has worked for 10 years………..but, have you looked at Kidspriation as another choice?

Yes, working on a math worksheet and filling out 30 math problems has worked for 10 years………..but have you looked at (a multitude of online options here!)?

Yes, having a yearly science fair has worked for 10 years……….but have you thought of taking pictures, videos, creating a wiki and sharing what your students are doing with people BEYOND your own school walls.

Yes, you are a creative, wonderful, exceptional bulletin board creator……..but have you thought of sharing your ideas on a list serve or ning?

I could go on and on …. and I know you get my point.

I just wonder — what would happen if we said to our teachers “good, but can you think of a better choice?”

Jen