The longer time I spend at Elbinselschule, the more confused I become. The school climate is the strangest combination of pure pandemonium and pure genius. It is not uncommon to see students running down the hallway, jumping up and down, or squealing with glee. And the teachers do not react to them. Students are not reprimanded. If a student is being rude and disrupting others’ learning during class, the teachers will address such problems, but, for example, if a student is simply overly excited and very passionate about something during learning, the teachers do not scold them. In America I have noticed that often students are shhhh-ed and reproved, even if they are still learning. Although, allowing this type of behavior may cause the classroom to be a little more chaotic and louder, these students are being indirectly encouraged to be passionate and get excited about learning!!! Instead of constantly saying NO NO NO to students, these teachers make the conscious decision to ignore certain behaviors that are not seriously causing distress in the classroom. And it keeps the excitement and passion in students thriving and alive!!!! I was and still am a little skeptical of this relaxed classroom management, however, when it is time to get down to business and work, these students are more than willing. They love to represent what they have learned to the class and take pride in their work.
It is thrilling for me to see you reach the culmination of your dream of being a teacher. A desire you expressed as early as the fourth grade. May your enthusiasm for educating young children continue for years to come. The field of education needs teachers like you who are willing to explore and implement new and exciting approaches to learning ... Glad you are immersing yourself in this experience. Obviously you are my daughter and I love you very much. But you also have my utmost respect for what you value and how you conduct your life. It is a pure joy being your mother!
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Donna Tessitore
4/12/2014 12:18:34 am
By the way, this school looks like an absolutely beautiful place where children can thrive and learn. Environment makes a huge difference ...
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Kelly Tessitore (noun): 1. A soon-to-be graduat.e of UNC at Chapel Hill. 2. A blessed individual who is getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach and explore in Hamburg, Germany. 3. An absolute ball of frantic energy at the moment.