When first reflecting on our innovation session I began by asking myself how I could use twitter to benefit my personal learning and growth. I appreciate how technology and social media can be used as a tool to connect with others about the same topic and to look at the world through a global perspective. I am interested in using twitter in order to connect with other educators across Canada and the world.

In reflecting deeper and looking forward I asked myself how I can use innovation in my Kindergarten classroom to help students grow as learners. In order to do this I first thought about what innovation looks like in my kindergarten classroom. We use found materials, nature, technology, art supplies, books, Lego, blocks, boxes and much more to explore, research, ask and answer questions. Whether students are using iPads to make commercials, found materials to make robots, or boxes and string to make a drawbridge pulley system what is important is that students are thinking critically, problem solving, communicating, and caring for each other through the process. I think this is what I would like innovation to look like in my classroom; using a variety of mediums to encourage students to think critically, communicate, be creative and collaborate. Moving forward I look forward to keeping an open mind and learn more about how to encourage my 4 and 5 year olds to use a material or resource in a new and exciting way.

Lisa Poettcker
Pinkham School

Cluster 2010

 

Following the first innovation session I was unsure how I was going to incorporate Twitter into my personal and professional life. I had to think about whether or not I could really see myself using it and if it was something that was meaningful to me. After some time I realized I had to shift my thinking about innovation. Innovation is not just technology or more specifically Twitter. Innovation is about change, alteration, revolution and transformation.                                                                     

I had already begun to think about the physical environment of my classroom and how it was fostering student growth. So, rather than adding another piece of reflection to my teaching practice I started to think about how the physical environment was promoting innovation. I arranged and presented furniture in a different way, allowed students to have more choice in the physical space and brought items from home into the classroom. I think this is the most authentic first step in promoting a culture of innovation in my classroom. My hope is that students will begin to see the many different uses for everyday items.

Stacey Stone
Pinkham School

Cluster 2010