Starting the year... creating a PBL classroom

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on July 30, 2010 at 3:20pm

Thanks! I'll bet there are some connections to s.s. too (that's what I'm teaching :) )

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on July 30, 2010 at 3:17pm

Any feedback or thoughts??

Here's my brainstorm (not finalized by any means!) of potential rules. I want to narrow my rules down to 3-4, tops!:

- seek multiple perspectives/points of view
- communicate from a place of respect
- find solutions that work for everyone
- create a positive learning environment
- act appropriately and maturely


Here's my brainstorm for the purpose of rules:

- to build... communication, collaboration, student independence, growth, reflection, responsibility, creativity
- to set up an environment of learning

What rules set the foundation for the environment outlined in the purpose?

Permalink Reply by Jonah Salsich on July 30, 2010 at 4:15pm

I use a mix community building activities from several books, primarily Tribes by Jeanne Gibbs (Reaching All by Creating Tribes Learning Communities) and Comprehension & Collaboration: Inquiry Circles in Action by Harvey and Daniels.

I don't follow the Tribes format exactly, but the book is full of fantastic community building activities that easily tie into any curriculum.

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on July 31, 2010 at 2:43pm

Thanks! These look great. I just ordered them both.

Permalink Reply by Bob Greenberg on August 6, 2010 at 2:10pm

Jonah, I also just ordered these books. I learn from the master. Thank you to a fellow Connecticut Yankee.

Permalink Reply by Suzie Boss on July 30, 2010 at 5:14pm

Rachel,
What a great topic!
Here's a team-building idea I've borrowed from the world of design. The Marshmallow Challenge is deceptively simple--but can have profound benefits. Check out the TED Talk about it on the landing page. And here are some additional thoughts.

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on July 31, 2010 at 3:12pm

Thanks! I've actually done this activity before :) Kids will love it. I think it could be explicitly linked with teaching communication, too. hmmm...

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on July 31, 2010 at 3:18pm

Hi again,

The marshmallow activity could connect with teaching/experiencing classroom rules like 'communicate constructively' and 'think from different perspectives' and 'speak your mind and listen to others' and 'take risks.' I'm now wondering how we as a class can explicitly think about these connections.

thanks!

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on July 31, 2010 at 3:15pm

Here's a second draft of rules. I'd love your feedback...

- Think from different perspectives
- Speak your mind and listen to others
- Do the right thing even when no one is looking
- Communicate constructively
- Take risks

Permalink Reply by Suzie Boss on August 3, 2010 at 9:25am

Hi Rachel,
I like the positive tone in this list of "rules." Instead of cautions ("don't do this"), you have a framework for how to work well together.
How about something that encourages asking questions, entertaining wild ideas, letting your imagination off-leash?

Permalink Reply by Rachel Pickett on August 6, 2010 at 9:18pm

I like this! :)

How do you do discipline in your room if kids don't follow rules?