Anarchy, 2nd Grade Style.

Today the 2nd graders started their social studies unit on government. Our school follow the "first 6 weeks" program where they kids spend a significant amount of time and focus at the beginning of the year to develop a culture, learn and practice social skills, build relationships, explore and create their class rules, and generally begin to learn what it means to be a community. It sounds a bit touchy feely, but it is really important. If teachers don't spend the time, the learning doesn't go well without the understandings and structures that underpin the actual academics. The process really does help students get into the flow and understand the rules and expectations for their class.

Which is why today's lesson was so funny. Today the students came in and read a note on their smartboards that the teachers were going to watch, not lead, the morning meeting time. The students were to "do" morning meeting, then do their silent reading. Teacher videotaped and were only allowed to give noncommittal responses to questions, such as "Well, what do you think?" or "That's an interesting idea." I peeked into Ava's room. There she stood, microphone in hand, leading the morning greeting and then moving the group into the morning game. Another class finished their game and moved on to silent reading, very orderly. Another class did great until the morning game, at which point they seemed to lose track of time and continued playing the game until the teacher rejoined the group and took charge.

One class, however...well, let's just say there's a reason why we have the rules and procedures that we do. A few students stood at the teacher's desk, discussing whether or not to use the name sticks to decide who would be the leader. Over in the corner a few quiet ones abandoned the process and were curled up reading their books. Near the window three students argued over who was going to use the microphone to get everyone's attention. There was a lot of noise, a lot of action, and....well, that was about it.

Forty-five minutes is a loooooong time for 7 year olds to manage themselves. The discussions about the importance of rules and government in order to maintain order and accomplish tasks, to guide and protect people, etc. would have been equally entertaining, I'm sure. In truth, I actually expected more of the last class, and I was surprised at how well so many of the classes were able to go through their routine without arguing or running to their teachers. They were generally cooperative and orderly!

Which doesn't explain why I can't leave my THREE children alone for 15 minutes without getting a tattletale phone call. But I suppose that's a whole 'nother topic!