This I’m going to dive straight into the stage after ‘messing about’: honing in. It’s the stage where we see the kind of students we all love.
What happens in this stage?
I reckon you can feel it. As a teacher, you sense that the kids have become immersed, that they’re in the zone, focused, and acting with purpose because they’re doing something that matters.
There’s a clarity that’s apparent. Kids know what they’re doing and can articulate (to some degree at least) what they know and need to learn. They are open to new learning and receptive to being shown (ie, taught). Things become conscious, deliberate even. And maybe there’s even an alertness to opportunity and possibility that they can see will open the door to further growth.
In this stage, the kids are making things happen.
What’s a teacher’s role when kids are honing in?
Be active in supporting them! Kids want to learn when they’re honing in, so teach or show them things that will enrich their experience. This might look like
Workshops for small groups, or some 1-1 instruction.
Providing access to resources and books / information rich media.
Showing kids enabling frameworks that give shape to a process or idea.
Arranging access to experts: either via trips, or speakers who come to the class.
Most of all though, focus on culture and relationships. Make the space a nurturing, accepting one that allows people to be themselves. Because what people need when they’re honing in on things that matter is support. So, put things in place that allow kids to
Share ideas, be listened to and encouraged.
Access the expertise they need, when they need it.
Be asked good questions that push their thinking.
Have their small wins celebrated.
Focus on the joy of learning and exploring, not completing something.
See how pursuing what matters to them can have a positive impact on others.
