Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for March Slice of Life Challenge.
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My husband says to me, “Look at this!” He is not on any social media, but he reads USA Today on his tablet every day. He is a learner who always wants to know more. Yesterday he showed me this amazing video about a tiny poodle in a nursing home. Get your tissues out.
I want my students to know that learning is a part of life. Last week I brought in a snap circuit kit and just let them play with it to try to figure it out. My administrator was observing me, and I am hopeful that she understands the lack of instruction on my part. Discovery was the point, and the answer doesn’t always come immediately.
Discovery is an important aspect to any learning. Because we have so much available at our fingertips, discovery is easy and constant. “Look at this, Mrs. Simon” are words I hear often. Jacob wanted to know how many moons Jupiter has. That’s not something I keep tucked away in my brain. “Check NASA’s site,” I tell him.
Each week my students are engaged in discovery about whatever interests them. During the Slice of Life Challenge, their Wednesday Wonder has become a Wonder SOL. I ask them to write a paragraph about how they became interested in their topic and to conclude with ideas for further learning. Their research is now framed by a personal connection.
I wonder about a lot of things. Do tree trunks grow fungus to make their colors?
Were the leaves flowers at first but it just lost its petals?
Chlorophyll is a large molecule. It absorbs light from the Sun and because it is a green color it makes the plants green.
I was very surprised that Chlorophyll was a word and that it even existed. I didn’t know it made plants green. I wonder why plants are green and not different colors like,pink,black,brown,red,green,orange, or tan. I think that there is another planet out somewhere that has a atmosphere and has different colored plants.
–Jacob, 2nd grade
In what ways is discovery a part of Digital Literacy in your classroom? Join the discussion by leaving a link.
Reflections on the Teche 
Funny that my post seems somewhat connected to your snap project — just let me wander …
Kevin
Thank you for sharing the video about Nala, Margaret. Such a sweet story! And you’re right about discovery. Sometimes we just have to stand back and let the learning happen!
Discovery is so important! It nurtures that curiosity and if we’re curious, we’re engaged. Choice and voice!
I just watched a great video about people needing time to be creative. No one is ever their best in a short period of time–that’s when we just “get it done” which is so different than being creative. Love this theme.
Margaret, discovery is a great theme for the day. Those who let their mind wander, receive the benefits of their discoveries daily. The poodle story reminded me of my mother’s long stay in the nursing home and the beautiful dog that gave the residents joy. Thanks for sharing that.
[…] Thank you, Margaret, for DigiLit Sunday and the word, discover. When I started this post, I had another idea in mind. But I discovered something else along the way. Read or write about discoveries in digital literacy here. […]
You create that wonderous space for your kiddos everyday. They are so lucky to have time with you to learn how to live as learners. Always discovering.
[…] read Julieanne Harmatz’ blog about her classroom and she began it from Margaret Simon’s digilit Sunday focus word: Discovery. Julieanne said the word helped her to do exactly that – write and […]
I always say that, as a teacher, I’m trying to teach myself out of a job–to empower my kiddos to not need to me to learn. To teach them HOW to learn. Good job doing just that! 🙂
http://wp.me/s4ctvl-cookies
My first try here at digi lit Sunday. Had fun discovering through writing about the foods in a place.
I really hope your supervisor not only recognizes but celebrates and showcases the wonder and excitement that lives in your room! Sorry to not have a digital post this morning!