The Wooster Teacher Learner Blog

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Walking in the Shoes of a Seventh Grader

As part of the leadership team at Wooster, I spend a lot of time with the other adults on campus thinking about what’s best for our kids and how to set up the most effective learning environments. It occurred to me recently that, as an adult, even though I know the students well and try to make the best decisions possible to support their learning journey, I didn’t know what it is really like to be a Wooster student. I believe knowing will lead to better decision making, so, I decided to spend a day “walking in the shoes of a seventh grader.”

The day started with a check in with advisory (and an obligatory selfie). After attendance, Ms. Rand sent us off with a question. On our way out the door we had to tell her what we were most excited about doing on that day. I said I couldn’t wait to see what life is like at Wooster as a student (and that I really wanted to try to play Four Square during break)! It was terrific to start the day with this small group who clearly know each other well.

First period was C period on this day so that means Art class. The group met in the Middle School hall and headed down to the art studio. Lovely to spend time outside on our beautiful campus. Ms. Rand took attendance by asking us what we would choose if we could have a super power. I chose invisibility. After a brief check in by Ms. Rand about what their plans were for the day, students got busy working on their projects; developing and designing their own superhero. The majority of the class period was spent working on their projects. It reminds me very much of a reading or writing workshop where the teacher acts as coach and students are working on projects of their choosing. The class created playlist provided a great energy as background music. Students were taking risks and getting messy in a very creative environment. There was lots of talk about “beautiful mistakes” and lots of sharing about the process of making art. It was great to peek behind the curtain of what happens in art class after viewing all the beautiful finished projects displayed in the art show.

After a quick walk up the stairs from the art center and then up the stairs in the Middle School building (there are a lot of stairs!) we headed to English class. It’s interesting to note that the students barely acknowledged my presence; they carried on as usual, talking and greeting each other on the way to class discussing social issues and giving me a glimpse into their world. Our kids are happy and goofy and playful; just what you’d expect them to be.

English class began with Ms. Ryan going over essay writing expectations and then students quickly got started working on their projects, revising their persuasive argumentative essays. Within minutes the fire alarm sounded and we were on our way outside again! I’m happy to report the drill was quick and efficient and we were back upstairs crafting our writing within minutes.

Like Ms. Rand during Art class, Ms. Ryan conferred with students while they were working on their projects providing personalized feedback and answering questions.

Tweets, selfies and book recommendations during AES before break at 9:55 am.

Off to extra help for Math during AES period (Academic Enrichment and Support).

Ms. Taraz sent us on our way….“OK, everyone, it’s time for break...let’s get up, stretch your legs….enjoy the gorgeous day…”

One of my favorite times of the day is when I’m in my office, which overlooks the playground, and the Middle School students have break. There is nothing better than seeing Middle School kids being kids. What a treat to be able to participate in break as a “student.”

After getting soundly beaten in Four-Square, it was time for snack (and maybe a ride on the swings...).

Next up, World Cultures class where students were working on final debate projects and presentations.

Student researchers are given opportunities to share their learning and to practice speaking publicly. Active listening is encouraged by the rest of the class who were busy taking copious notes about the positions presented in the argument and debate. “In a debate, it’s not which side you believe but which side came up with the strongest evidence.” Great takeaway, kid!

Off to Spanish class. Mr. Evans wrote a book and is asking students to read it and offer feedback on the draft he hopes will be published soon. It will count as summer reading for English class. A Lower School student once remarked that at Wooster we have “teachers who love to learn.” While this is true, what makes this statement most impressive is that the students know this to be true.

Mr. Evans helped the students review for the upcoming Spanish test. “You want to go home today with an area of concern smoothed out and ready for next week’s final.” Students shared their challenges, whatever they wanted “smoothed out” as they get ready for the final demonstration of competency. Mr. Evans is teaching kids that they will get better at the answers if they are asking the questions.

Desks were moved so students were in pairs where they practiced skills. Mr. Evans reminded them to “share your challenges because we need to expose our insecurities so we can understand that we are not the only ones who have challenges.” He is facilitating learning and covering the content by focusing on what it means to learn. “Give me a question that I am going to ask on the test.” Students seemed to feel empowered to own their learning process.

Lunchtime! Chef Rick never fails to impress. We are offered healthy interesting food and we are all better for it. The kids loved the chickpea zucchini sliders; Chef couldn’t keep them coming fast enough! What a treat.

Study Hall came next. There are plenty of tables and chairs available but the majority of students chose the floor, flexible seating! (I didn’t sit on the floor; was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get up!) As I left study hall, Mr. Lingenheld laughed when I noticed that I had lost my computer charging cable, “Oh my gosh, you have totally turned into a middle schooler! Way to embrace it!” he chuckled and then gently suggested that I may want to write my name on my charging cable when I found it.

Jobs Period follows study hall. So, I went to work helping to clean the front hall. What is it about using a squeegee to clean the windows that is so satisfying??

Last period of the day today was Math. Mrs. Komosinski led the class through some breathing exercises and mindfulness routines as everyone settled in. Then she announced “today is the beginning of our practicum, a fancy word for final project.” The Barbie Bungee Jump! How many rubber bands will it take to keep Barbie safe from a 200 cm fall?

As the students headed down to the gym and fields for sports practices, I had to tear myself away to head back to the Lower School for dismissal and to answer the calls and emails that came during the day.

It was such a treat to hover around the edges of their world for a bit and they didn't even seem to notice or care that I was there. At the end of the day, as I untied my sneakers, I thought about what I took away from the experience. At Wooster, we know our kids well and therefore are able to provide personalized learning experiences. Students spend time here in carefully planned learning environments. Mistakes can be beautiful. Taking a break and getting outside is good. Four Square is hard. A ride on the swings can give a new perspective. It’s important to have a lunch period long enough to visit and connect with each other over delicious, healthy food. It’s a good idea to put your name on your belongings.

Throughout the day, I saw evidence of our initiatives for health and well-being, making thinking visible and for teaching kids to own their learning. Teachers are putting into action what they’ve learned during recent professional development sessions. They’re preparing students for exams but they are also connecting with them and helping them see their own light and reach their full potential. They’re working hard to make kids know that they matter in this world. Moving forward, armed with a little bit more insight into what daily life is like for our students, we can continue to make decisions focused on strengthening our commitment to personalized learning.

Most of all, I’m even more secure in the knowledge that Wooster School is a safe, happy place; a great place in which to spend time as a learner.

~ Antoinette Fornshell
Director of Lower School