Teach Like A Pirate Chapter 10: What's in it for me?

Well, our journey is winding down!  Not too much longer.  I'll be sad when we're through.  I'm really loving this book! :)  I hope that you are as well! :)  I can't wait to try out what I've been thinking about in the fall! :)

Today's chapter is entitled...'What's in it for me?'

I thought this was a funny poster, and kind of goes with how we all see learning...the kids...AND even adults as we work through professional development.

These hooks are all designed to help the students really see what's in it for them.  In each one, the students apply what THEY like and appreciate to what they are learning.

THE STUDENT HOBBY HOOK

What things do your students enjoy doing?  Is there a way for you to connect what they want to learn about to your content?I try to do a survey of my students each year.  Just random questions about them.  Then I take them home and review what they've said.  In the first month of school, I take them to lunch with me in small groups, and I use what they wrote about as discussion starters.  Usually, once you get them started talking about themselves...they just keep going! :)  It's a great way to get to know the kids and what they like! ;)

THE REAL WORLD APPLICATION HOOK

This is a great hook for intermediate learners! ;)  Firsties sometimes just want to learn because I'm up there and I'm funny, and I'm the grown up, so...I just 'know stuff'! :)  When you work with older kids...they sometimes need to know even MORE how their learning impacts them.  It CAN'T just be because it's on the test.  How will it help them to get a job or have a better understanding of other people and cultures?

THE LIFE CHANGING LESSON HOOK

I love, love, LOVE this hook! ;)  How can we use what we are teaching to help kids make personal reflections and grow from it?  I do lots of character lessons with my firsties, but when I had thirds...we would talk about how history sometimes changes peoples perspectives.  We would talk about the feelings of people from different cultures and such.  It was so interesting to hear students make natural connections to their own lives.

THE STUDENT DIRECTED HOOK

This is a neat hook!  It's also great for intermediate learners.  How can you get your students to help you choose what direction the next set of lessons take.  Now, I've done this with firsties as it relates to inquiry.  For example...if they are really interested in trying an experiment we do in class with a different variable...I'll allow that, and then the subsequent discussion.  That will last for an additional 20 minutes.  It is so important to engage our learners in the things that interest them.  I'm always surprised at the things that spark engagement in them when I allow them the opportunity to think for themselves.

THE OPPORTUNISTIC HOOK

Loved this hook too! :)  I'm a total political and pop culture junkie.  With firsties, it's kind of hard to tie in current events to what we are learning---as far as global ones, but...sometimes I can find kid friendly articles in National Geographic Kids for them to listen and respond to, and that makes our learning experiences more grounded.

For more thoughts on these hooks, why not check out Faith's blog

Thanks again for coming with me on this awesome journey! :)