It's been a while since my last post, but I'm eager to catch up and share some exciting developments from my classroom. This entry is all about embracing creativity and turning seemingly silly ideas into successful learning experiences.
Heading into the school year, I found myself assigned to teach a freshman English class, a first for me. When it came time to select novels for the curriculum, I decided to shake things up a bit. Opting for spontaneity, I wandered into the book room and randomly picked four novels, envisioning one for each nine-week period.
Among my selections was "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck. While I was familiar with Steinbeck's work, I had never read this particular title. Admittedly drawn in by the amusing title, I soon discovered there was more to this novel than meets the eye.
Rather than sticking to the traditional study guide and test routine, I wanted to inject some excitement into our exploration of the text. One day, I announced to my class: "We're going to raise horses!" Inspired by the protagonist's journey of maturity and responsibility through raising a horse in the book, I devised a hands-on approach to engagement.
Each student was assigned a paper horse, complete with a name and color of their choosing. After each chapter, students took quizzes, earning rewards for their virtual equine companions based on their quiz performance. These rewards ranged from basic necessities like food and shelter to more luxurious offerings like riding lessons and racing opportunities.
Heading into the school year, I found myself assigned to teach a freshman English class, a first for me. When it came time to select novels for the curriculum, I decided to shake things up a bit. Opting for spontaneity, I wandered into the book room and randomly picked four novels, envisioning one for each nine-week period.
Among my selections was "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck. While I was familiar with Steinbeck's work, I had never read this particular title. Admittedly drawn in by the amusing title, I soon discovered there was more to this novel than meets the eye.
Rather than sticking to the traditional study guide and test routine, I wanted to inject some excitement into our exploration of the text. One day, I announced to my class: "We're going to raise horses!" Inspired by the protagonist's journey of maturity and responsibility through raising a horse in the book, I devised a hands-on approach to engagement.
Each student was assigned a paper horse, complete with a name and color of their choosing. After each chapter, students took quizzes, earning rewards for their virtual equine companions based on their quiz performance. These rewards ranged from basic necessities like food and shelter to more luxurious offerings like riding lessons and racing opportunities.
Initially skeptical of the idea's effectiveness, I was pleasantly surprised by my students' enthusiastic response. They eagerly anticipated quiz days, celebrating their successes and lamenting any setbacks. The prospect of caring for their paper horses motivated them to stay focused and engaged with the material.
Even when faced with the novel's more somber moments, such as a horse falling ill, my students remained invested in the experience. Setting a challenge that tied quiz performance to the well-being of their virtual horses added an extra layer of urgency and emotion to our learning journey.
As we near the conclusion of our exploration of "The Red Pony," I'm excited to see how it all comes together. Next week, we'll put our knowledge to the test with a Kahoot horse race, where students will compete using their horse's name instead of their own. It's a fitting culmination of our unique approach to learning, blending literature with gamified engagement.
Reflecting on this experience, I'm reminded that in teaching, no idea is too unconventional if it resonates with students and fosters meaningful learning. This experiment has reaffirmed my belief in the power of creativity and flexibility in the classroom, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside my students.
Even when faced with the novel's more somber moments, such as a horse falling ill, my students remained invested in the experience. Setting a challenge that tied quiz performance to the well-being of their virtual horses added an extra layer of urgency and emotion to our learning journey.
As we near the conclusion of our exploration of "The Red Pony," I'm excited to see how it all comes together. Next week, we'll put our knowledge to the test with a Kahoot horse race, where students will compete using their horse's name instead of their own. It's a fitting culmination of our unique approach to learning, blending literature with gamified engagement.
Reflecting on this experience, I'm reminded that in teaching, no idea is too unconventional if it resonates with students and fosters meaningful learning. This experiment has reaffirmed my belief in the power of creativity and flexibility in the classroom, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside my students.