Welcome to Wonderschool

For years I have read countless blogs of many talented educators. I  am finally taking the plunge and sharing my love for teaching and learning with others.

I have had a distinct shift in my experience as an educator.  I have always been a rule follower and lately, I feel like taking more chances, getting outside my comfort zone and pushing myself in many directions I may not have done just a few years ago.

Several months ago I went to a seemingly benign training given by a local curriculum specialist.  It was a training on bringing inquiry into the classroom. It does not seem radical, we all use inquiry strategies, but  this 5 hour training ROCKED MY WORLD.

One phrase that she quoted - We should be creating  wonderschools, verses knowledge factories.  I do not know from which resource this blessed phrase came from, but as it came through her lips, it hit me square in the chin. I have meditated on this phrase over and over the past few months and it has changed me.

I realize, the idealistic, young teacher I was, had matured into a well oiled machine of curriculum planning, resource hunting, technology instructing, state mandate following,  building and district policy making and political strategizing. What I have seemingly lost in these 13 years is the ability to allow my children to Wonder!   I realize I am asking  more questions than they are...shame on me!

Is it TIME?
Is it MANDATES?
Is it STATE TESTING?  (FL)
Is is ADMINISTRATION?

No, it is ME, I allowed, ever so slowly for others to influence that I ignored what is best for children.
This "wonderschool" epiphany,  has allowed me to return to my roots, trim my philosophy and sharpen my skills as an educator.  I feel empowered, no longer controlled by the things I mentioned above, I am working with them, not against them and soon they will be working for me.  A shift in perspective is a rare gift, I intend to take full advantage of this time.

This year I will leave the 3rd grade classroom I became so comfortable in, and I will take on a new and exciting challenge. I will be teaching a 2nd grade full inclusive/self contained gifted students.  The challenge I face this year is planning for the unique gifts and needs of the gifted learner.

I am looking forward to the journey that it takes me and how my fellow teachers inspire the "wonderschool".

Happy Planning!

Carolyn