BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

We all appreciate the opportunity to make our own choices rather than being expected to comply. During remote learning, more teachers began to experiment with various options so their students could make valuable choices about their learning and embrace flexibility. As we begin this year, let’s continue to foster students' curiosity and empower voice and choice for all learners﹘small and tall!

In this week’s issue of Bright Spots, I am excited to highlight the 6th grade team at Flora Vista Elementary School in Encinitas, California. I admire their ability to collaborate and create amazing opportunities to empower their students!

With Gratitude,
Katie

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Fostering Curiosity Through Collaboration

One of my favorite ideas I have seen in a classroom is an “I Wonder” board, where students can post questions they are interested in exploring. Why not host a virtual “I Wonder” board and use Flipgrid or a discussion board to share questions? Students could share what they know, or conduct research and comment on what they have learned. If you create a space where kids can both engage in topics that interest them and share what they know, they will be much more invested in researching and sharing their findings with others. What problems or challenges do your students see? What are they interested in learning more about?

"We Wonder" wonder board by the 6th grade team at Flora Vista Elementary School.

Interested in discussing how you might foster the curiosity of your learners? Let's connect!

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to support you in empowering learners to embrace their curiosity.

2. Tour the globe. Discover the world—no travel required! With this Virtual Field Trip Guide students can explore what piques their curiosity near and far.

3. Last Day To Vote. To help accelerate the shift to a learner-centered paradigm, please up-vote our SXSW EDU 2022 session proposals on PanelPicker!

• Launching Learner-Centered Virtual Schools: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/116571
• How to Lead the Way to a Learner-Centered Paradigm: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/118758

LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!

How are you empowering learner voices in your learning community?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!

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