Meghan BrtnikThere is magic in sharing personal stories that go beyond books or storytelling. Perhaps it’s the special way children feel when they know that others are listening to a story about something that was their own unique experience. In the Polka Dots classroom, we make time to share quotnewsquot every morning during morning circle. Kids are excited about things happening in their lives at this age, and they can’t start their day without telling their friends. Students know and come prepared to use their quotnewsquot time to keep us up to date with their lives.
I, of course, use this time to share stories about my life. Children learn by observation and imitation, and when I share a story from my heart, the students feel safe and eager to share their own heartfelt experiences. Sometimes we share a joke or silly story, and quotnewsquot about my cat Waffle’s adventures is always popular.
I can see the students listening and remembering their friends’ quotnewsquot when they can quickly recall a classmate’s pet’s name or their favorite restaurant. When the kids make cards for each other, they know just what their friend will like on the front. When I handout out highlighters, the students silently give each other their favorite colors. This unspoken familiarity solidifies our strong classroom community.
I think quotnewsquot can be something that kids and parents share at home. Instead of quotwhat did you do at school today? Quotask?quotwhat’s your news from today?quot
Meghan Brtnik
is a classroom teacher on the K-2 team. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Meghan was a substitute teacher at an international baccalaureate school in Toronto and at the Latin School of Chicago. She graduated from York University, Toronto, with a M.Ed. at the primary/junior level and completed an additional qualification course in special education. Meghan earned a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario in honors psychology, focusing on the psychological and social foundations in human behavior. In addition, Meghan has worked in a Montessori school, tutored students individually, and lived and worked at an all-girls boarding school.
For fun, Meghan loves traveling, trying out new restaurants, exploring new neighborhoods, swimming, reading, and walking.