My first reaction as a teacher - you mean they're missing five afternoons of school to go skiing?? My first reaction as a non-skiier - you mean I have to go skiing too?? Students are given three choices: downhill skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing/skating. I wound up joining the cross-country/skating group.
I went into this whole ski program experience very apprehensive, but can now say they are some of my favorite days at school. First of all spending the afternoon outside on the trails or at the rink is wonderful, it is nice to get out of the classroom for a while. But even more important is seeing a whole different side of the students. Our group this year was made up of thirteen students from grades 5, 6, 7, and 8. It was wonderful to see them interact with students who are not in their class or even students from their class that they may not typically interact with.
Being outside of the classroom they even interact with myself and the other teacher in a different way. One student who is quiet, shy, and very focused during class came to life through this program. She laughed and joked around telling me that I tied her skates too tight, despite my explaining that figure skates must be tied tight. And when it was time to leave, she whined about not wanting to leave. Seeing a side of her that felt comfortable to complain and whine (in a good way) was a sight I never thought I'd see. Another student who is also shy and has very low confidence went into cross-country skiing telling me she was going to fall and she just couldn't do it. The second time out on the skis she was happy to announce "Miss Krueger, I only fell five times!"
I love the relationships I have formed with my students inside my classroom, but the interactions that have occurred because of this ski program are some of my fondest memories. Sometimes the most important lessons happen outside of the classroom - maybe on the ski slopes, maybe on the cross-country trails, or maybe on the ice rink.
First of all, THAT IS SO COOL! I completely agree, some of my favorite moments so far this year have been spending time with my students in non-academic settings. We went on our first field trip a couple weeks ago. While this brought on levels of anxiety I never thought possible, and I have never counted to 21 (number of students I was responsible for) more times in a single day, I got to have so pretty awesome conversations with my students.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great! I can see that this could be a concern because of everything that teachers need to teach their students. But at the same time, this is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your students on a different level. Also, this is such a great way for students to learn in a different way. They can learn so much from experiences, so it is great that this program allows them to do so!
ReplyDeleteI love this post Danielle- so often, young teachers are looked at suspiciously when we do things "outside of class" with our students. I have a cohort of now 7th graders that I had back when they were in grade 5. They continually invite me to their school events and plays. Teachers know how important those relationships are in order for a child to feel safe and secure and to do their best learning! And I say, good for you for trying something new :)
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I also love seeing my students interact in non-academic settings. I feel as though the amount of social interactions children today have are very limited. Outdoor experiences like this can build team building, social skills, and self esteem, among other things. Good for you for giving it a try! I bet this can also link into a great math lesson! ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Danielle,
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! That sounds like such a great program. It's so refreshing to hear of a school that values the importance of being outside. So often I read these horror stories of schools that have banned recess because it takes away from 'learning'. Thats Crazy! Your totally right about the invaluable lessons that can be learnt outside the classroom. Great stuff!
See you in class…Tom