Lesson Two: How People Learn

I have the opportunity to work with Mrs. Nelson, a Kindergarten teacher at Canyon Crest Elementary. The learning theory I see her use the most is Behaviorism. During her morning class on Friday she awarded her students popcorn during story time because they had each finished their "popcorn problems" throughout the week. She also selects a student each day who has been behaving well during that week to be the "king or queen" of the classroom. This child gets to wear a crown and cape for the day, acts as line leader to rotations, chooses which tables will be released at what times and gets to sit in the "Authors Chair" as a few randomly selected classmates say what they like most about the student. The chance to get to be the king or queen of the class for the day reminds these young students to behave. Another way she uses Behaviorism is by awarding 3 students that have achieved in some way during that class time a sticker and a chance to send 5 marbles down the marble track. It was so amazing to see each of the students eyes light up as they were chosen. I loved the way Mrs. Nelson utilized rewards, especially with king and queen of the class. Instead of having only tangible rewards she offers rewards that make students have a little bit of power, ownership and make them feel good about themselves.

Mrs. Nelson is very well rounded when it comes to learning preferences. Just within the short 2 hour session of her morning Kindergarten she had the students jumping and moving, pointing to letters on the board and writing words, and singing songs about the weather, days of the week, etc. There was something for each learning style, which engaged the different students she had in her class. She also has taken the time to place each child in the best place for their learning. Children that need more attention are closer to the edges of the tables so she, or her aides, can easily give one-on-one attention to those students. Her class runs smoothly, and the children stay engaged through out their class time, which can be difficult at times for 5-6 year olds!