Day 11 - Miriam

What is one practice it is time to change up?
Oy. What is one practice it isn't time to change up? I jest, but seriously. 

I think we (my colleagues and I) have discussed quite a few things we plan on changing up. I know I've talked about things I want to change in my daily schedule for my kids already. So, let's talk about something else...

Circling
Yep, everyone's favourite go to for CI. I love circling. I am okay at it, especially in level I. What I've discovered as I've grown with this group of kids that I've now taught through level III (and on to level IV next year) is that as they grow and gain skills, what we do must grow with them. It must change. And now, as I begin to teach the babies again, I think about how I've changed and how things will be different for them. I'm still working through this, so let me just lay out a few thoughts:

1. circling in the same pattern every time is  boring. Yes, I said it. And... the kids know it. So, we change it up. I will always start in the same place while circling things within a known context (story/vocabulary/etc). Yes, no, this or that, open ended. But.... It's time for change too, especially when we consider personal questions and interviews.... 
2. reconsider how kids respond. Circling can include a variety of responses - verbal and physical. TPR could be a great alternative to the regular circling order of questions and I've found myself using it as a quick brain break or a check in to see who is with me. 
3. Perhaps we can reconsider how we use circling (goes back to #1). Instead of expecting the same answer each time, we can circle personal questions and interviews. The animals I love aren't the same animals you love, but if we all love something, we can circle that, right?

These are all things I've been doing, without realising it. Now that I've reflected on it, I'm going into this new year with these brand new Latin babies ready to mix it up. :)