WONDER

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