Engaged Learning

It isn't hard to see that Mrs. Saunders tries very hard to engage her students. Her entire classroom is set up to encourage group work. While working in groups, the children earn points towards group rewards. They are encouraged as well to help their group mates. I feel like this practice helps students develop a sense of community. It also helps to ensure that they do not feel lost and helpless.

On top of that, she will do impromptu games with the children. This past Thursday, the children finished their work early before lunch. Instead of assigning more individual or silent work, Mrs. Saunders connected her laptop to the classroom TV and had all of the children participate in the educational game, Carmen San Diego. The students helped to solve a crime by answering math questions. Even though the children we doing math, they were all having fun.

Although I haven't had a chance to participate or witness this, I have seen evidence of it as I come to help in the mornings. Mrs. Saunders has her children complete various art projects that relate to social studies topics. The art is displayed in the classroom and the students are able to enjoy their own art.

I really admire how engaged all of the students are in their learning. Of course there are students who struggle still, but despite struggling they enjoy being at school. I feel like as long as the students can hold on to that desire to be in school, they will be able to overcome their individual learning obstacles.