Tom Downey
Educator Portfolio
Access
Exposure to people, programs, resources, and connections that can open doors for students and families
Introduction
As I present information and opportunities to my fifth-graders, I am always reminding myself of the developmental lens they will use to view information. A fifth-grader's curiosity about the adult world is heightened as they experience their superior status in elementary school while getting ready for the challenge of middle school. Their connections with peers become increasingly important as they think about how they fit into society, and the increasing complexity of their school content has them yearning for some rationale behind their learning. This is the lens I imagined myself looking through as I planned activities that would increase my student's access to outside opportunities.
Before landing on an idea for events that might increase access for my students, I made sure to consult both my students and their families. This allowed me to ensure the opportunities presented were necessary and unattainable without the specific events. Explore the opportunities I created for my students below:
Conclusion
Through the opportunities presented above, I have created a class environment that encourages both students and families to pursue new opportunities that expose them to people, programs, resources, and connections that give them access to opportunities. With a career day, students are able to make valuable connections and meet people that can open doors for them. With a common core math night, families can learn how to navigate and access a wealth of resources and programs that will help their students succeed. As we engage in these opportunities together, my hope is to foster a sense of confidence and wonderment in my students and their families as they consider the many opportunities that they can aspire to achieve.
