"Miss, um, Connor?"

For one of my practicum assignments, I have to say what type of learner each student in my class is: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. I was going to do an activity today to find out, but we didn't have time, so now I am going through the class roster and just guessing based on what I've observed so far.

You guys, I never imagined that I would love these little 4th graders as much as I do. They are so cute! Sometimes Kensie will come over to my desk and say, shifting her weight girlishly as she talks, "Miss, um, Connor, I just need help on this part of the worksheet...." and I almost can't concentrate on the question because I think it's so cute how she says "Miss, um, Connor."

Sometimes Dawson has to come in early for a student council thing, and I see him in the hall and say, "Good morning, Dawson," and he waves all shyly at me and smiles.

Sometimes when Adam has a question, it takes him about four minutes just to ask it, because he thinks and talks a little slower. But he articulates his words so carefully, and pronounces his "t's" so distinctly, that I don't even mind.

As I'm going through their names now, I picture them working through a problem, or listening to me read, or coming in and getting started on math. I try to think of a time that I knew they really understood a certain concept, because that will tell me how they learn the best. Thinking of each one as a learner instead of just as a cute fourth-grader is very eye-opening for me! Instead of remembering the funny things they say, I remember the times when I noticed them really concentrating, or getting really confused, or suddenly having an epiphany.

Have you ever watched learning happen on a fourth-grade face? It is just as cute as watching them double-face-ninja off the monkey bars. And even more rewarding :)