We all need to learn, to unlearn and relearn.

This speaks to us.  As parents and teachers.

Because for our children to learn best, we need to first unlearn.

We need to unlearn what we were taught about what teaching looks like. Then we need to relearn what learning looks like. We need to learn how to take the teaching out of learning.

In my opinion, digital literacy is as important.

According to IGI Global, Digital illiteracy is:

A lack of ability and skills to create, evaluate, learn, and find information on online media and digital platforms through the usage of technology.

The world can go through incredibly big changes in an alarmingly short period of time. Many of the problems our kids will have to solve one day, do not even exist yet and the technology for solving those problems, have not been developed yet. So where does this leave us as parents and teachers? How do we prepare them?

We try to ensure that they not only have a desire to learn and take action, but that they also have the tools to do so.

We can use technology as a fun learning tool, without it being the teacher. We should use what excites our kids, what they are curious about and use technology in creative ways in the learning process. How does one do that? Well, first we need to change the questions we ask them. Instead of asking “what do you want to become one day?” ask them instead, which problem would you like to solve?

The situation with Shell would be something I use as the basis for a lesson. It is current and relevant, giving the learning more purpose.

I would simply start with a statement such as “Shell is going to make a very big noise in the ocean”, and then encourage the kids to ask questions and see where they take it.  I would refrain from initially having any opinion about it. We want to teach them to think. Not WHAT to think.

Steer the conversation with Questions:

• WHY,
• WHAT,
• WHERE,
• HOW.

Then

• Watch a video
• Read an article together.
• Think about animal habitats,
• food chains,
• renewable or non renewable resources.

As a family, debate the topic or look for different perspectives. They could make a video to tell other kids about the issue or make a video petition!I recently suggested this to one of my parents, and this was her feedback

“Ms. Anna, After reading your post about Shell and the way to engage kids in a discussion and learn about the topic, we used the process in our lesson at home.

We watched some videos and interviews, we asked questions and did research, and had deep discussions. Later that evening our 10yr old son said that he just could not let the matter go. He wanted to take some action. He made us find a petition, sign it and share it “ …

This to me is evidence of learning. Looking at a situation, asking questions, understanding impact, doing research, having an opinion, and then wanting to take action from there.
Imagine if every lesson could have such an impact! If in EVERY lesson, we could take them on a thinking journey Imagine what an adventure learning would be!!!!

This generation came ready for their calling! It is our duty to make sure that they are equipped.