Our Wildwood, Summer 2017, Volume 41

e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l f e a t u r e

by Chris McKenna, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Starting with their first Pod (K-1 class), in elementary school, Wildwood students are taught the practice of connecting, and they learn to make meaning from their experiences through reflection. While not an official Life Skill, the ability to honestly reflect on oneself academically, socially, and emotionally is regularly practiced at Wildwood School. In Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind, authors Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick write, “Reflection has many facets. For example, reflecting on work enhances its meaning. Reflecting on experiences encourages insight and complex learning. We foster our own growth when we control our learning, so some reflection is best done alone. Reflection is also enhanced, however, when we ponder our learning with others.” Wildwood’s Pod teachers guide students to reflect on their learning through discussions, modeling, questioning, “persona doll stories,” writing, and journaling.

Our Wildwood /Summer 2017 16/17

Wildwood’s Pod teachers guide

students to reflect on their learning through discussions, modeling, questioning, “persona doll stories,” writing, and journaling.

WHERE REFLECTION STARTS HERE REFLECTION STARTS