The Importance of Learning Continuums
At my school we use a continuum of learning for students and parents for reporting purposes, (discovering, emerging, developing, consolidating and expanding). I have these indicators up in my classroom and students move throughout the room as they reflect on a topic and place themselves in the category for that topic. It is an incredible exercise which normalizes the concept that we are not all experts in everything. We do examples such as tying your shoes, riding a bike and jumping rope. Using common life skills is a fun way to practice the concept of reflection and honesty when considering where we are and where we have been and where we want to be in our learning journey. It sparks a lot of laughter, conversation, and if you have done a good job building a safe and positive classroom community, then it also sparks moments of encouragement among the students.
After doing a few light hearted concepts, we move to considering where we stand for core subjects like sight words, doubles facts, etc).
This is one of the best practices I do in my first grade classroom as the students benefit from it in profound ways, and I also gain insight into social/emotional elements with individual children as well as to get a snapshot on the status of our classroom community, and of course, I can compare where I see a child at in their development with where they see themselves.
To be noted: This is great to do with your teaching staff as well so they can see where they are at different points in their learning journey. Ask teachers to reflect on where they stand in classroom management, building a classroom community, technology usage and integration, reading/writing/math instruction, instructional design, parent communication etc.
The options are endless and can really help to normalize the process of reflection as well as equalizing staff dynamics so everyone can physically see that we are all learners as well as teachers. Doing it in a physical space that is large and allows for physical movement is key. Let me know if you want to learn more!
