Week 10 Peer Responses

To Katie-

On how to modify the How Many of You......Icebreaker for elementary students..

I would use it on the first day of class as a community builder for third grade and up. "Welcome back to school, children. In order to get to know each other better, I want you to complete the answer on the board. Ask a question that you can share with the class, such as, 'How many of you like to play soccer?' I will read each question to the class. Each person will answer by raising their hands for 'yes, me' or leaving your hands down for 'not me.' "

I wouldn't expect deep and probing questions. But you would get them started with question based learning. A lot of textbooks about critical thinking strategies overlook younger elementary students. It might help to look at thinking skills books for younger students to get some ideas about appropriate phrasing and concept development.

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To Sheryl-

In response to "“Questions are catalyst for learning; they provoke movement; they yield change.”(p75) I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, proponents of 21st Century Learning call for change, but school policies and standardized testing doesn’t readily facilitate the process. Makes me wonder what questions I need to be asking and to whom I should be listening…or, is the answer already there and I’m too afraid to see it? "

Baby, it's you! It only takes one good teacher to make an impact. My good teacher came my junior year in high school. Plant the seeds, and over time they will grow! You are the change you want to see, and all that jazz. Just remember...time...