Student-Centered Curriculum in Kindergarten

This week, Jenoge talks with Kara Olsen, a student-centered Kindergarten teacher from the Corvallis School District. Kara and Jenoge start the conversation discussing the value of teacher-student and teacher-parent relationships. How much do we consider the role of students’ families in planning? According to Kara, families can play a critical role in building community and relevant instruction in a classroom.

Kara also believes that equitable curriculum and environmental design are essential in a student-centered classroom. She creates a classroom environment that is reflective of student interest, their native languages, and holidays that are celebrated in their homes. Kara shares easy tips on how to make place-based learning easy, fun, and relevant in a classroom! “Big picture” versus “little picture” thinking is how Kara and Jenoge end this episode. Kara talks about the value of mentoring new teachers and how teacher support, like mentoring, draws teachers back to their “big picture,” their “why.”

Listen in to be inspired by Kara. You will think about things you could do differently to engage the whole child and family. This episode will ignite your curiosity and give you great ideas on how to share your excitement with students. 

 

Resources:

First Book Marketplace

Garden time at recess 

Teacher Mentoring 

The OEA Grow Podcast is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.