Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid-Albert Einstein

GTS 1, 2 3, 4, 6
When I first was interviewed for my Bachelor of Education entry, I remember one of the questions that I was asked. I was shown this image and asked what I interpreted from this Image. If you are unable to see the fine print in the speech bubble of the teacher it says-"For a fair selection everybody has to take the same exam: Please climb that tree".

So the question is, how would you interpret this picture?
What I interpret from this picture is that each animal in this picture is unique and comes with their own abilities and strengths. Though, each animal is unique we as teachers need to help these students to find their paths in reaching a way to climb the tree-for example using different strategies and forms of feedback in regards to guiding/helping these students to prevail and succeed.

Also I believe. it  is up to us teachers to be able to recognise these talents and abilities and show case these. An example, the fish may not be able to climb the tree, but it does have the ability to swim.


So the question now is-How can I enable this effectively in my classroom?
In my classroom I see each and every child as a whole. My students are unique and special and I let them know this on a daily basis. I start every day on positive note and we begin our mornings with a daily quote and daily goals. Sometimes we also use visual inspirational videos with positive words to inspire the children. I get to know the students in my class, through daily conversations. This happens not only in my classroom but also in the playground during duty. I believe it is important for me to know my learners/students. Once I have established this then I am able to know their talents and use their talents and weave them into their learning in the classroom.

Also each children is a different type of learner. I believe this is important to note as teacher.
Not all children learn the same way as others. Some of the learning styles children may come into School with are as follows:

1. Visual (Spatial)-These students prefer to use images, visuals, and spatial understanding to help with their learning.
2. Aural ( Auditory/musical)-These students prefer using sound and music to help with their learning and understanding.
3. Verbal (Linguistic)-These students prefer to use words in both verbal context as well as written.
4. Physical (Kinesthetic)- These students prefer doing. Using their hands, body and sense of touch to help them with understanding and learning.
5. Logical (Mathematical)- You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
6. Social (interpersonal)- You prefer to learn in group through cooperative learning and with others.
7. Solitary (Intrapersonal)- You prefer to learn alone and use self study. You enjoy working by yourself.

 As a teacher it is important for me to have a took kit with all these different teaching styles in mind as well make sure that I have ongoing information on students strengths and challenges, likes, dislikes, hobbies/interests. By providing the children with different contexts and engaging the children in using their different senses effective learning is achieved.

Providing students with multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge and skills increases engagement and learning, and provides teachers with more accurate understanding of students' knowledge and skills (Darling-Hammond, 2010).

With these different learning styles we make connections with different parts of our brain.