Student.

Seems a word that says everything and nothing all at once. From generalized assumptions to specific expectations, we toss this word around in our circles, using it as we will, fitting it to whatever context we create. And we do create context to a degree, don’t we? Yes, there are some things from the outside that contextualize our rooms, that denote and connote the word “student.” But there are many things inside that bring to bear what the word “student” ultimately means for our students.

For me, in my room, I find the term inadequate: sterile, clinical, impersonal, creating a distance that neither fits me nor the experience I try to create for my kids over the course of the year. So, as I work to create context, to create culture I provide “roles” for my kids to play during our journey. Here is a list of those roles that I will share with my kids from the 4 R’s (Roles, Routines, Rights, and Responsibilities), which I present to them early on. Usually I will do one “R” per day during the first week. We start with Roles.

This is the stage I set. I want my kids to understand that they are here to experience learning in its many faceted ways, that they are not here to be a student in a desk with a teacher in his room. I want more for all of us.

My roles? Many--for which “teacher” seems inadequate, too, but if I were to offer what I believe my two primary roles are, I would suggest provider of opportunity and supporter.

And with this, we set out as the play unfolds with a cast of many.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.