My students all have classroom jobs that they apply for each quarter. One of the jobs became managing The Walking Classroom supplies; passing out the kits, replacing batteries, letting the office know when we are out of the building, etc. One of my students applied for this position. He struggles in school. He is not low enough to qualify for any support services, but he continually needs interventions within the classroom.
This student has bloomed with the responsibilities of The Walking Classroom. I have no worries when it comes to management. I tell him when we are going, and he has everything ready to go. Given that, I decided to put him in charge of the educational piece. I tell him he is helping me to write lesson plans. We discuss what we are currently learning, and then he goes through and picks out an appropriate topic. Sometimes, I lead him a bit, but he knows his opinion is valued. Now, I have put him in charge of knowing the content. When we return and discuss the topic, I look to him to respond to student feedback. Of course, I am right there helping, but for the most part, he is successful.
As educators, we never know where inspiration may come from. Thank you Walking Classroom for the opportunities you have provided for this amazing student.
Debbie Hampton
4th Grade Teacher, ELA-E
Archuleta Elementary
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