In no time, we create that wonderful world: Teachers simply need to do a few things well to build a cooperative and caring classroom.
However, unlike the song, we don’t need to wish upon a star to have our troubles melt like lemon drops. Do we structure learning so students don’t interact much, or do we structure learning so student interaction is a regular part of every day? Do we structure learning so students compete with one another and view each other as combatants, or do we structure learning so students see each other on the same side? Do we structure learning so students hope for the failure of classmates in order to shine, or do we structure learning where students celebrate the successes of their partners and teammates? The choices we make have a profound impact on class climate and learning. That atmosphere is shaped by daily teaching decisions. Teachers are the architects of their own classroom atmospheres.
And dare I say, there is more love!Īs I mentioned, the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" imagines a “wonderful world.” At Kagan, we do too! And one way we get there is by creating a wonderful world in the classrooms where students spend their formative years. Through teambuilding, classbuilding, and student cooperation over the academic curriculum, we create good vibes in the classroom. The second language learner is more willing to try English, knowing that he will make mistakes, but also knowing he will be met with encouraging, rather than judgmental, classmates. The cool kid is more willing to lower the mask and authentically share his thoughts. The shy student is more willing to articulate her opinion.
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When students perceive the classroom as a safe learning environment, their brains are more free to focus on learning. While building that type of learning community is a noble end unto itself, it also has benefits for learning. A major objective in the Kagan classroom is to create a cooperative and caring learning environment. The two are really well aligned.Ī big part of what Kagan is trying to do is spread Aloha in the classroom and beyond. But that night I realized how fitting the Aloha theme was for Kagan. But if it is someone you don’t know, you still show respect with a quick, “Aloha.”īefore the party I hadn’t really put two and two together. So when you want to express your love through your greeting you say, “Aloooooooooha,” with open arms. It is a show of mutual respect, and even love for one another. But it has a much deeper meaning to Hawaiians. It went something like this: Aloha, as we all know, means hello and goodbye in Hawaiian. Before the Polynesian couple performed dances from the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa, he started with a message of Aloha. more love, more respect, more Aloha.Īnd if that wasn’t explicit enough, our entertainment for the evening made the spirit of Aloha even more central. I see friends shaking hands saying, "How do you do?" The song paints a picture of a “wonderful world”: The song talks about wishing upon a star, waking up where clouds are far behind, where trouble melts like lemon drops. Inside, the sweet sounds of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" were sung by a Hawaiian ukulele player. This affection for others, stated another way, is a symbol of Aloha. The lei is a symbol of love, friendship, and respect. As Kagan team members and our significant others arrived, we were greeted with the traditional Hawaiian plumeria lei. Kagan’s Activity Committee did another great job of planning and executing the Hawaiian party. The theme of our year-end Kagan holiday party for 2019 was an Aloha theme.
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