“You sure
do have a lot of free time at school!”
That may be a parent's reaction to their child’s description of their day. There is a lot of FREEDOM here at Bella
Natura—freedom of movement and choices.
Time and space management is largely determined by the
children. Often, they are able to choose
to work on the couch, at a group desk, or at an individual table instead of
being told to stay at “their” desk—they don’t even have a desk!
However, within that freedom is embedded a
lot of STRUCTURE. I have high
expectations in regards to RESPECT.
Respect for each other, the classroom and classroom materials, using
their time wisely, and making good choices when they are given free time. The second week of school this year, we wrote paragraphs describing
what goals the students have for their time here at school this year. I want them to take ownership of their
learning and become life-long learners. Giving free time after lunch gives students opportunities to interact with their
“3rd teacher”. This is the REGGIO concept of the environment being the 3rd teacher, the
parent being the 1st teacher, and me being the 2nd teacher.
I have many important goals for my
students, but three of them are: to improve self-control, increase self-regulation, and for students
to get in touch with their own gifts, talents, and interests. Those valuable life goals would not be met if
the students’ 2nd teacher always told them what to do and how to do it!
