Grade 1 is all about CHOICE
During my three-week practicum in Grade 1, I learned many things. How to engage the class, manage the class, and make the class feel empowered. I learned that Grade 1 is all about choice. They are often told where to go, what to do, and what to play in kindergarten. However, I witnessed that my coaching teacher highlighted that the students could make their own choices. Well, within reason, of course. They were allowed to choose how to colour and even what “center” they wanted to play with. Instead of the traditional name of centers, she refers to it as “choosing time.” She explained that allowing them to make their own choices gives them a sense of power, self-efficacy, and responsibility for their actions. In the classroom, there is also a student who requires some additional support, like all other students get to make his own choices. When his name is called, he can decide who he wants to play with and what toys he wants. Inclusivity is all about having equal opportunity, feeling valued, and knowing that there is growth potential. My mentor teacher always made a conscious effort to let her class know grade 1 was about choice, and she encouraged it. Her stack of name cards that she shuffles each use helps her demonstrate that randomness. The randomness helps the students understand that all 30 have an equal opportunity to be picked.
An inclusive classroom can only be achieved through a teacher who models this. Throughout the year, we had the opportunity to read about inclusive classroom practices. Having the chance to witness a teacher who truly believes in creating a safe and inclusive classroom is inspiring. All the traditional suggestions of getting to know the students and embarrassing each student’s individual needs were evident in this grade 1 class. I hope to take what I learned and observed in this class and adopt it as my own. Like this grade 1 class, I want to make the right choices to ensure my classroom feels safe for my students to learn and grow into the best versions of themselves.