Wonder is defined in three different ways.
Wonder:
n. feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
v. desire or be curious to know something.
v. feel admiration and amazement; marvel.
A few weeks ago our fifth grade classroom was transformed and
exhibited all three definitions. We had a special visitor, Kristie Ennis, a
Wonderopolis Lead Ambassador, come visit and convert our little space into Camp
Wonderopolis.
There is no doubt that all three ways of defining wonder were on display on this
special day. The students, and myself of course, felt a “feeling of surprise
mingled with admiration, caused by this beautiful, unexpected” learning
environment. My students had this intense “desire to be curious and know
something” more about all the topics we were reviewing that day. We all felt
“admiration and amazement; marvel” about the entire situation. Words do not do
justice what happened within the four walls during Camp Wonderopolis. My students had the chance to
rotate through six stations that reviewed concepts from science, math, art and
social studies. While reviewing previously learned concepts, students used their reading skills to uncover new wonders. The
buzz around the room portrayed students that were engaged and intrigued.
After a day of Camp Wonderopolis, I began wondering what would happen if this was our normal. I wonder what if we incorporated Wonder stations more often? I wonder if student
engagement would increase? I wonder if more hands on application activities
could be created for all subjects? I wonder if everyone would be just a little
more excited to learn?
In my 2018 plans, I am looking forward to taking my
“wondering” and actually doing. Based on my students’ reflections from the day, they are
also looking forward to taking our learning to the next level.
“The best part of the stations for me was the part when we
made wonders because I loved to actually express what I was wondering about."
“The most interesting thing I learned was about the women in
the war and what they did to help.”
“I learned that art is more than one thing.”
“I would like to do this again because it was a creative way
for us to learn with hands on activities.”
“Yes I want to do this again ,because we got to learn more
that we didn't even know.”
“Yes please!!!!! I would like to do this because again, the
hands on activities were the best!”
“Wonderopolis camp WAS AMAZING!!”
I believe our learning will be transformed when we include
our wonders and intertwine them with the topics we are covering. I am looking
forward to more “feelings of surprise mingled with admiration” in our future.
Thank you to Matt Arend and Kristie Ennis for allowing my
students to experience Camp Wonderopolis. Our classroom is forever changed. May
our wonders lead us to unexplored places!
-LL
