We are heading into the sixth Saturday Art School class and by now we've gotten a good feel of which students participate which do not. In this blog I'd like to share a personal experience with one of the students who is much more reserved and shy.
In the beginning of class students come in, get their sketchbooks, and start sketching. We usually give about fifteen minutes of sketch time and then start the lesson but with the inclement weather we decided to extend sketchbook time a little longer in case students were late. I went around and asked some students what they were drawing. Students usually share but some are very hesitant. I decided to sit with a group of girls who are usually a little quieter and not ask questions but instead be a part of their group so they could ask me questions. I grabbed a piece of scrap paper and started to do origami. A couple asked me what I was doing. I told them I was making an origami star. One girl, Annie, who is very hesitant to share what she is sketching and to ask questions, observed me doing origami. She didn’t ask me any questions; instead she grabbed her own piece of scrap paper and began making her own origami. I continued to fold my paper; some of the girls in the group asked me show them how to make the star, so I showed them step by step. I continued folding and felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Annie showing me the origami bracelet she had just folded. I asked her if I could wear the bracelet for class, she agreed. As the class went on I noticed Annie was much more vocal about help and asking questions in connection to the project than she ever was before.
I think it is important to keep in mind that some students like to keep a distance between themselves and a teacher. Participation in a group discussion may not be indicative of understanding or interest but may just be indicative of extroverts and introverts working together in a discussion. Some students are more comfortable observing than participating. Trying to give students one on one time will allow you to see the understanding and experiences that some students possess. The old saying “actions speak louder than words” is also important to keep in mind when teaching.. In the case of Annie, she became more comfortable when not forced to do a task or answer questions about her sketches but rather to choose what she wanted to share.
So, to end on a questions to my fellow teachers, have had an experience with more reserved students and how have you been making a connection with them?
This is a great story, Tiffany, and an excellent way to begin to connect with students who may be reserved and (possibly) just waiting for a chance to show what they can do. Connecting to a student one-on-one is so crucial to helping them enter into the conversation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this; it is a perfect introduction to our discussion tomorrow!
I really like this story and it sounds like you found something Annie really enjoyed doing, origami. I find in my class that the more I get to know the students, the more vocal they become during the lesson. I'm glad you made a connection with your students because I feel like you can walk away from that class saying that you influenced a student. These are the stories that make me feel like we are real teachers!! wow!
ReplyDeleteAs I spend more time with the students, I see how important it is to make personal connections with the students. Although most of the students make their friends in the class, there are students who find it difficult to talk to other students about their thoughts and work with others in the classroom. I felt it the same way with you about Annie. When I went to talk to her, I was able to see how she opened up her mind and wanting to talk more with me. She made me a bracelet this week, too:) I feel bad that we only have two more lessons left when I finally got to understand the kids and want to see them more comfortably work on their artwork.
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