What Does Innovation Look Like?

What if?

WHAT IF we throw out everyting we have and create a schoolwide community of
character education?

This would mean similarities in what we value and support in our students, ourselves, and each other.

My school did this, and we are continuing on the quest for a great character education approach that is inclusive and beneficial to our unique students.

What if I try chair yoga?

What if I come up with something new?

• Use what is available to me, along with my own knowledge
• Create a nuance activity to introduce students to this complex concept
• Students watch a short video and then work in pairs to describe nuanced words, finding small differences between similar words like cold/icy and rope/string

Status Quo

Vocabulary stations

• Instead of simply giving students new vocabulary words or having them write out definitions...
• I set up stations where the students define, write sentences, draw pictures, and answer questions in small groups
• Students are able to interact with the words and each other

Noise Levels

Students generally are not allowed to be noisy at school. But discussing different levels and when they are to use them helps students learn for themselves what is acceptable and appropriate.

raffle Reading

• Students are forced to read certain books but resist. Some claim to hate reading after these experiences.
• Later they're encouraged to read books of their choice.
• Students are set up with personalized, individualized reading goals and can earn points toward raffle prizes for reading what they want!

Learning is social

Student Choice
Students get to choose what topics they'd like to study or research. One way this is implemented is students picking something that interests them. For example, students want (and get to) study black holes instead of teachers assigning a planet to each group for a science project.

Simon Says
When students are getting antsy waiting in line, I start a game with them. We play a rapid-fire version of Simon Says. It's fun and keeps them occupied instead of me constantly shushing them in the hallway (and everyone becoming irritated).

Grammar games

• Since many students find grammar uninteresting...I've created several classroom review games!
• Students choose a team name, pick a captain, and discuss answers as a group. They can even steal points from other teams and win prizes!
• This promotes working together, respecting others, and comraderie!

success

Upon reflection, staff learn the importance of teaching executive functioning and soft skills to students as often as necessary. Our school has set aside time for character education everyday.

Reflection with co-workers
Teachers at my school have recently started to check in with each other about what's needed for future grade levels to be sure students are properly prepared. This means we can keep students from feeling lost between grade levels and instead help them feel confident.

Goals

• Constantly try to improve school climate for students/staff
• Ask parents/guardians about their vision for students
• Have students periodically complete self-reflections with their personal goals

Innovation mindset

Innovation mindset

Innovation mindset