2. We have to follow group rules - come in
quietly, don’t interrupt, contribute and don’t
laugh at each other’s attempts.
The children feel secure because they know the
expectations.
3. I want to share my news!
The children feel comfortable volunteering
information - they expect to in our democratic-
participatory class.
4. I want to read my story to everyone.
The children are encouraged to explore language in all
its aspects.
5. I want to tell a joke.
The children feel confident exploring culture with each
other.
6. We don’t want to learn about weta. We want
to learn about tuatara.
When the teacher misreads our interests, we let her
know.
7. We’ve agreed on a new topic.
By setting their own topics and goals the children
are more motivated to work.
8. Our teacher plans units with us.
The children have ownership of what they are
doing. They explore their own questions about topics
and learn about language through their research.
9. We all learn new things - including the
teacher. Becoming life-long-learners is the true goal
of our class and school. This gives children future
skills and a sense of inner power.
10. We can see what we have produced on our
blog. We share it with our families and feel
proud. Although not everyone has a computer,
families and friends from around the world can
marvel at how the children are developing.
(hokowhituesol.edublogs.org)
11. If the unit gets boring for us, we stop and
think what else to do. Careful assessment and
evaluation by the teacher and students shows when it
is time to make changes. The children enjoy the class
because it is not tedious.
12. We help to decide what we learn and decide
whether we come to class.
Once children feel ready to leave the group we
discuss it and they know they are welcome back if
they need more support.
13. Some children like to read and write more
than talk, others like to sing. The teacher
takes this in to consideration when she plans
tasks.
14. We listen to what our teacher tells us but
we know she listens to us, too.
