TL;DR:

• I am grateful for all of the lessons I have learned during remote learning.
• Some of these lessons are flexibility, student choice, and student voice.

Looking out the window this winter, I think about the planters I love decorating that I post on my IG account that need new decorations for the New Year. This year had many learning opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I can’t help but think about the days that fly to weeks and then months—in front of the laptop, teaching online as a teacher. I do have some superhero students that have taught me important lessons this year! The days of teaching fly on by. I laugh a lot. Sometimes I embrace things I do not know and get inspired daily by my students. Superheroes come in all forms. My students have been there for me this year to ask questions, give guidance, and make me laugh through the adventures.

There is a lot of talk about picking that ONE word for the New Year. Mine would be gratitude. Gratitude for the experiences in life that have taught me so much about learning to be my best self through life and the journey that is planned for us as a human being.

There is a lot of talk about picking that ONE word for the New Year. Mine would be gratitude. Click To Tweet

My students taught me the importance of FLEXIBILITY.

• Flexibility in the manner on how I ask to send in work online
• Choice based on learning style preferences
• Setting the standards high
• Expecting the best of all learners
• Being organized with due dates ahead of time
• Learning the art of letting go!

My students taught me the importance of giving CHOICE back to them.

• Minds on tasks that give students voice and choice increases interest
• Asking students for feedback
• Engaging lesson content based on students’ interests
• Spiraling back into lessons taught so that you have multiple entry points
• Unit planning with the Grid Method where there are multiple tasks to engage learning at student pace

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My students taught me to laugh much when possible and give them a VOICE.

• Going with the flow of the lesson
• Pacing so that all students have an opportunity to share
• Being reflective
• Trying out new lesson ideas
• Learning how my learning style and the students’ learning styles need matching
• Asking questions
• Students who bring magic tricks and jokes into the classroom every day
• Having fun teaching daily exploring new content ideas

Educational Term: the one and only to consider throughout it all would be differentiated instruction based on personalized student goals to ensure that each student is successful in attaining their full potential. I’m thankful for the learning in education with these amazing grade twos who have taught me so much about my practice as a teacher and why I do the things I do.

Yours in Education,

Nilmini

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About Nilmini Ratwatte-Henstridge

Nilmini Ratwatte-Henstridge teaches in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. She was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada with her family. As an elementary school teacher who is passionate about equity, social justice, and human rights in education, she enjoys teaching the younger generation to be global-minded citizens.

Discovering the world by connecting with others is an opportunity that we have today in our society today and she loves meeting new people! She is always learning while traveling to understand the inter-connectedness of this beautiful earth we live in! Nilmini LOVES cooking great meals, watching movies, and the latest fashion trends! Family and friends are close to her heart as she looks forward to balancing social media and navigating professional learning communities in education to network globally this year!