The Brain That Does the Work Is the Brain That Learns

The brain that does the work is the brain that learns. I can’t recall where I read this, so for now let’s simply consider what it means for the children we teach. I’m convinced the implications are profound.

And since I don’t want to do all the work (and all the learning), I’m going to pose this prompt and ask you to complete the statement. Then I’ll post your responses so we can consider the myriad ways to enhance learning. Here’s the prompt:

If it’s true that the brain that does the work is the brain that learns, then I’m going to have to __________________________.  

Here are some of your suggestions:

•  Do a better job of sharing at the end of the reading workshop
•  Have children report out more about their thinking
•  Provide more strategic help
•  Let students struggle a bit more and then celebrate their struggles
•  Improve my questioning strategies (techniques)
•  Allow more wait time
•  Encourage children to pose their own "wonder" questions before reading informational texts
•  Make writing conferences more meaningful by focusing on one and only one facet of writing, and
   then allow the writer to be more in control of the writing process
•  Select shorter books to read aloud so that there will be time to discuss the ideas and information
•  Build in abundant opportunities for children to respond in writing to what's been read
•  Encourage kids to sketch what they've learned

Thanks and I'll continue to add to this list as suggestions are submitted in the comments box.