Living and Learning in '06-'07

At the ECFE/FL/RSK staff development meeting May 29, the staff was asked to reflect on what they had learned from their school year. The following were their responses:
1. Don't be afraid to ask parents for 'stuff.'
2. Everyone needs ECFE classes. Everyone.
3. The early childhood programs help parents of young children build community with one another, community that carries over to the K-12 years and throughout St. Louis Park.
4. Teachers don't have to have all the answers. Be appreciative of the value of children and parents learning from each other.
5. It's okay to work outside your comfort zone.
6. There is much to be learned from working with other teachers and in other classrooms. While field trips to other classrooms was a good idea, it was hard to implement by yourself. Next fall we (coordinators) will organize this across all programs.
7. It's okay to hit a wall--the learning is what do you do when you hit the wall. If an activity doesn't go the way you planned, there is still very valuable learning in the experience.
8. Pursuing the question sparks energy.
9. Trust the learners.
10. You are on a journey together in your classrooms (the Reggio co-construction of knowledge).
11. Stay open minded when working with parents. It takes time to build relationships with them.

We finished with this provocation:

How are you going to work out of your comfort zone next year?

This is something everyone should think about during the summer.