Every single year that I teach, I look out at my classes and watch elementary kids become middle school students. Some people mature quicker than others, but that is the way things occur in nature, yes?
One way to see kids change is in the way they act towards others, teachers included. Another way to see the change is in the students’ voices. Not the actual sound of the voice, but what the student is saying–the content, the message, the theme. Yes, it is true that a lot of what kids say in class is a shot at being correct in their answers, as in: “What is the value of x in the equation 2x + 3= 47″ or “What is population density?” or “Who is the main character of..?”
I am talking more about when students offer their opinion about an issue. As the year goes by, these answers usually become more than just “I don’t agree.” Students learn to give an answer, then give the reasons why they feel a particular way about something. Many kids really like to speak up and be heard. This is a time when I get to know students better, to “see” them as individuals with their own separate personalities. Other students remain more reticent (reserved, shy), and choose not to respond. For me as a teacher, I always hope to get as many kids involved in discussions as possible. For one thing, it makes the discussion more interesting, and another positive is that participating can often boost a student’s self-confidence.
So, to extend this post, I created a poll over there on the upper-right corner of the blog page. You can add your voice by voting (only once per person, so make it count). Check it out and vote. If you want to comment on the post, go for it. The more, the merrier!
It is interesting to read the comments and sometimes the postings, but you all have a voice that is unlike anyone else’s. Use it.
By: Olivia P. on 9 April 2007 
when classes have a grade for that lots of kids would pay attention. 
By: Ashley on 11 April 2007 
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