When I work on my lawn I always have a since of ownership. It is something that I did. I think if we can find ways to have our kids experience this feeling in the classroom then we would have better success.
Mowing the yard is my alone time and I had rather be outside than insdie. It seems that this summer I have not gotten to enjoy mowing, always too busy.
I know what you're talking about. My husband and I talk about that feeling any time we do anything to our house. That, "Hey. This is mine, I did it well, and I'm proud of my work" feeling would be a great thing for the kids to have at school.
If I had my own personal a/c unit blowing on me, I might feel that way about mowing. Then again, maybe not. I can relate to your post though in regards to painting or other home improvement chores. Last summer, my aunt and I pulled up the carpet in two bedrooms and prepped it for laminate flooring. That definitely created a sense of ownership within me, and I think you're right. When students take ownership of material taught in the classroom, they "get it."
Ownership is the key with my 5th grade students. I am excited about learning new ideas for inquiry based learning activities and cooperative activities.....our babies really need to shine and show their talents.....
**My parents visited on Sunday and my daddy and I were in the backyard looking at my one lone tomatoe and my father said, "Lori, you guys really have this place looking nice!" I felt like a little girl again hearing those words....since of ownership!!!! (We have been in our new home for 3 years now....I have forgotten what it looked like when we bought the land from Dianna....)
I agree! I think we (teachers and parents alike) sometimes go overboard in providing tangible rewards. Students need to develop self-worth and fulfillment through a sense of acheivement rather than "a piece of candy" all the time!
The smell of a freshly mowed lawn really makes me think of summer! And the smell of a group of fifth-graders just coming in from recess really makes me think of teaching! No, just kidding - well, kinda. I love teaching adults and kids, and I love to mow lawns.
I like mowing the yard, but my husband has one of those 'zero turn' Kubotas and I don't get to play with his toys! Somehow, I don't find that quite fair! LOL Because there are times that I really need to be by myself, away from the world and before the new equipment found its way to my house, I got to mow the lawn.
Doing lawn work is instant gratification because you can see the results! I think its important for students to receive feedback so they can see "where" they're at.
You are very right!! I did a simple thing in my classroom by using a unifying language such as "our room" instead of "my room"... through this simple step I noticed a real change in how my students treated/handled things within "our classroom". They began to take a since of pride in what "we" had and wanted others to help them to take care of "our" stuff!
I don't work in my yard very much but during this time with my father-in-law, I have spent a lot if time outside in my yard. I love to be outside, there is a sense of accomplishment. It is more lasting than dishes and laundry.
17 comments:
Hey, I really like to mow my yard, too!
Mowing the yard is my alone time and I had rather be outside than insdie. It seems that this summer I have not gotten to enjoy mowing, always too busy.
I know what you're talking about. My husband and I talk about that feeling any time we do anything to our house. That, "Hey. This is mine, I did it well, and I'm proud of my work" feeling would be a great thing for the kids to have at school.
interesting parallel of mowing the lawn to students owning their education. Which will be easier to do I wonder?
If I had my own personal a/c unit blowing on me, I might feel that way about mowing. Then again, maybe not. I can relate to your post though in regards to painting or other home improvement chores. Last summer, my aunt and I pulled up the carpet in two bedrooms and prepped it for laminate flooring. That definitely created a sense of ownership within me, and I think you're right. When students take ownership of material taught in the classroom, they "get it."
Ownership is the key with my 5th grade students. I am excited about learning new ideas for inquiry based learning activities and cooperative activities.....our babies really need to shine and show their talents.....
**My parents visited on Sunday and my daddy and I were in the backyard looking at my one lone tomatoe and my father said, "Lori, you guys really have this place looking nice!" I felt like a little girl again hearing those words....since of ownership!!!!
(We have been in our new home for 3 years now....I have forgotten what it looked like when we bought the land from Dianna....)
I agree! I think we (teachers and parents alike) sometimes go overboard in providing tangible rewards. Students need to develop self-worth and fulfillment through a sense of acheivement rather than "a piece of candy" all the time!
The smell of a freshly mowed lawn really makes me think of summer! And the smell of a group of fifth-graders just coming in from recess really makes me think of teaching! No, just kidding - well, kinda. I love teaching adults and kids, and I love to mow lawns.
This is the same feeling I get when I see one of my students understand and "get" what we are learning. Isn't it wonderful?
Students need to have a place that they have a since of ownership in. Letting them head things up it a good way to do that. Esp. if it envlovles them.
I like mowing the yard, but my husband has one of those 'zero turn' Kubotas and I don't get to play with his toys! Somehow, I don't find that quite fair! LOL Because there are times that I really need to be by myself, away from the world and before the new equipment found its way to my house, I got to mow the lawn.
Ron...we more posts! :)
Doing lawn work is instant gratification because you can see the results! I think its important for students to receive feedback so they can see "where" they're at.
I enjoy the quiet time on my mower. When the yard looks nice, I feel great!!
That was supposed to be "we need more posts" earlier. Sorry. This was very interesting...hope to hear more.
You are very right!! I did a simple thing in my classroom by using a unifying language such as "our room" instead of "my room"... through this simple step I noticed a real change in how my students treated/handled things within "our classroom". They began to take a since of pride in what "we" had and wanted others to help them to take care of "our" stuff!
I don't work in my yard very much but during this time with my father-in-law, I have spent a lot if time outside in my yard. I love to be outside, there is a sense of accomplishment. It is more lasting than dishes and laundry.
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