![]() The amazing thing about having kids, is the ability to go back and watch some of your favourite TV shows (or reboots) with fresh eyes. Recently, we've been watching The Magic School Bus Rides Again. In this version, Miss Valerie Frizzle has been awarded a PhD and is now a Professor. But she has retired and passed the reigns to her sister; the equally quirky Fiona Frizzle. ![]() So what's so amazing about Miss Frizzle? Why would we consider cartoon characters role-models for teachers? Especially when they only has 8 students in their class, all with exemplary behaviour! So, let's have a look at how Miss Frizzle demonstrates the 7 Principles of Learning in action. 1. Learners at the centre.Miss Frizzle's class are a quirky group. They have a variety of interests, and are genuinely curious about the world around them. Miss Frizzle never seems to have a problem with throwing away her lesson plan in favour of pursuing one of her students "I wonder.." questions. And yet, she always seems to have all the required resources at hand (although a magic bus would probably help with that part!) At the end of an exciting field trip they are able to articulate what they learnt and how it applies to their in class activity. 2. Emotions are Central to LearningWhile Miss Frizzle's class exemplifies positive behaviour for learning, she does still have to manage reluctant learners, bossy students and those who don't believe in themselves. However, she is never put off by their mid-adventure meltdowns or fashion criticisms. On she goes, with an ever-positive attitude and gentle scaffolding of her students through the learning pit. Students are allowed to experience the highs and lows of not being sure about something and finding out the answer for themselves. The Frizz never gives in and just gives the answer - she always lets them experience it. 3. The Social Nature of Learning
4. Recognising Individual DifferencesEach of Miss Frizzles students has their own unique interests and skills. Jyoti loves to build things and explore new technologies. Keesha is the dramatic student of the class, she likes to stage productions. Arnold is nervous and dislikes change. Carlos is a bit of a joker, who loves a good pun. Dorothy-Ann is a bit of a book-worm. She is always the quickest to look up a fact and confirm someones observation. Tim loves drawing, especially comic book characters. Miss Frizzle doesn't just encourage her students to pursue their interests, she allows students to demonstrate their learning using their chosen format! 5. Stretching all Students![]() Miss Frizzle has high expectations of all her students. Not only does she encourage Tim to draw comics that demonstrates his understanding, but she pushes him to keep drawing even when he thinks the story is over. When Keesha's play looks to be less than she hopes, Miss Frizzle shows her how to use science to create a show-stopper! One of Miss Frizzle's favourite sayings is "Take chances, Make mistakes and get messy". Learning in her class is not just about meeting standards, it's real, deep and messy. And, she expects it of everybody. 6. Assessment for LearningMiss Frizzle could just answer the students questions. She could send them to a book or a website. But it's so hard to determine if a student has grasped an abstract concept by asking them to talk (or write) about it. Instead Miss Frizzle allows the students to demonstrate their new found knowledge and understanding by applying it. Now, this doesn't always go right the first time. Students are encouraged to test their own theories. What better way to assess a students learning, than by letting them test it themselves! 7. Building Horizontal ConnectionsWho knew that you could build a lesson about wind-resistance from a play about the three little pigs? Or one about eco-systems from a new teacher? Miss Frizzle does! One "I wonder" question can lead to extraordinary learning when you look for the connections and learning is so meaningful when students can relate it's value to their own lives. Want to read more about the 7 Principles of Learning? Try starting here
Want to watch the Magic School Bus Rides Again - try Netflix
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AboutThe role of the SCT is to support teaching staff to do their jobs to the best of their ability. With some education and a few sticks, we are able to create the means for teaching and learning. In this blog, I hope to provide you with a few sticks to help you on the way. Archives
May 2019
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