Module 2: Observing /Interviewing Professionals

For these interviews I observed a 1^st grade classroom, and spoke with a first grade teacher, a librarian, and a principal. As always I promised names of interviewees would remain anonymous.

In regards to the unhealthy balance between academia and the whole child they all had interesting thoughts and ideas.

The school librarian described a system in which books are categorized into different reading levels. This is good in that children are provided levels that meet their literacy needs. On the other hand he points out that not all children fit this mold, and miss the mark. One level up or down doesn’t seem fit their learning level. He agrees that teaching the whole child is important. He touches on learning through play and believes strongly that children’s developmental skills are not just found by practicing phonics, and vocabulary. He likes to change things up a bit using technology in the classroom, and reading games that are interactive. During Literacy time I watched the words come alive to the children as they heard his character voices, watched puppets, and interacted with technology!

The first grade teacher I spoke with also is an advocate for learning through play. She spoke about sending home packets that include games to involve parents in play with their children to enhance learning and development. She feels the play, along with the family involvement is crucial to development unfolding naturally. She also touched on a literacy rich environment being an important aspect of the unfolding of skills.

The school principal I interviewed feels that system is set up to be more academic and a very compartmentalized learning environment. There is a time for learning and a time for play. It is how the system is. Fortunately CPS has been able to extend recess for children to get exercise, and be able to play. It is the teachers that incorporate the two and he is proud of the staff who are creative, thoughtful, and enthusiastic about their students education. They find ways to incorporate the two as best as they can in the classroom using games, technology, and tangible materials. Parent involvement is also a key to teaching the whole child. Social emotional activities at school, which are reinforced at home helps a child grow and develop.

This school gives me such hope. The staff whether a principal, teacher, or administrative all work together and all seem to have the same goal –education of the students. They are on the same page in attempting to teach the whole child, and acknowledge the focus on academia, including standardized testing, and curriculum. These are great focuses, but neglect the rest of the child. They are striving to change this in their school, and in the homes of their students.