Freedom in structure is something we can give our students, our children, ourselves and others. It is laying the foundation and allowing for creativity.
As a parent, I know that I’m supposed to set the ground rules for my kids, that children NEED structure, WANT structure. (That’s what all the books and online articles say.) But I know that the structure I give them does not stifle them, instead it gives them the boundaries they need in order to explore.
So is true for our students at school and I’m not just talking about the school or classroom rules, I’m talking about how we teach: the lessons and activities we do with our students as well as our philosophy in teaching.
This month, I will explore they ways in which I do this, where I fall short and how it benefits me as a teacher and my students as learners.
- What activities do I do to practice this skill?
- Is it beneficial or practical in today’s society?
- What foundations do I lay down for my students?
- What foundations are there for me?
- Is there too much structure for my students? For me? Too little?
I’m excited to begin this series and ask you to participate by adding comments, ideas, activities or submitting your own blog or article.
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Elizabeth Peterson has devoted her life to education and to reaching out to other teachers who want to remain inspired. Mrs. Peterson teaches fourth grade in Amesbury, Massachusetts and is the host of www.theinspiredclassroom.com. She holds an M.Ed. in Education, “Arts and Learning” and is currently enrolled in a C.A.G.S. program through Plymouth State University with a focus in “Arts Leadership and Learning.” Elizabeth is author of Inspired by Listening, a teacher resource book that includes a method of music integration she has developed and implemented into her own teaching. She teaches workshops and courses on the integration of the arts into the curriculum, leads an arts integration PLC (PLaiC) and is adjunct faculty for PSU. Mrs. Peterson believes there is a love of active, integrated learning in all children and from their enthusiasm, teachers can shape great opportunities to learn. 
You will like this quotation about freedom by Arsène Bessette (Quebecois writer and journalist, 1873-1921.
“Art must be free. Where there is no freedom,
there is no Art.”
Je l’aime. Il est parfait! Merci!