Jan 27, 2011 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Unique Approches to Learning
I have been a teacher for some 16 years in one discipline or another and what I love most about teaching is that no matter how long you’ve been at it, one thing remains constant – the element of surprise. Just when you think you’ve done and seen it all, along comes something you never expected!
Even seasoned teachers with years and years of experience are continually surprised by what they learn from their students and peers. It’s part of the rush – learning and experiencing new things. It’s one of the reasons I became a teacher – I love to learn!
Today, I was lucky enough to have such an experience! I was teaching Spanish to a small diverse group of kindergartener students in suburban Philadelphia. It was our first class together and as we were getting acquainted, in hopped their class pet – a beautiful white bunny the children named Willow.
The veteran classroom teacher had warned me that their little furry friend might make an appearance. However, I was startled as she hopped right over to our circle, looked me up and down as if she owned the place, performed what I assume to be the bunny equivalent of a security check and then proceeded to join our little group.
Ok, those who know me personally know that I have not spent a ton of time around pets, especially bunny rabbits. I love animals, but I did not have pets growing up, so my exposure to them has been limited. I’ll admit it; I was a bit nervous at first. Especially when Willow went rummaging through my personal belongings and teacher aids – she warmed up to me shortly thereafter. Still, I was certain she was going to be nothing but a distraction. I could not have been more wrong!
Willow’s presence had such a calming effect on the students. She served as a catalyst for the students and me getting to know one another. With their bunny in tow, the children were completely at ease and we dove right into our Spanish lesson as if we had been working together for years. It was amazing to see kindergarteners so focused and calm. Even as they took turns holding and petting her, they were still able to follow the lesson and stay on task.
Never in a million years would I have thought that animal-student interaction in the classroom could provide such benefits. There’s no denying it – these kids were engaged, enthusiastic and focused. What more could a teacher ask for?
Do you have a similar experience or unique approach to learning that you could share?