edu180atl: natalie richman 8.19.11
As I visit classrooms daily, I am amazed at the learning of the students at my school. They are like little sponges, soaking up knowledge at a rapid pace. Looking for learning…this is what I do each and every day. Today seemed to be no different. That was until I stepped outside to get a little fresh air.
Standing before me was a cluster of little girls sharing thoughts and ideas unprompted by adults. As they chatted, I watched them, one by one sharing, and the one in the middle recording. I even chimed in with an idea or two. A little classroom…right here on our playground.
What did I learn today? Our children are our teachers and we are theirs. In a learning community, learning takes places EVERYWHERE, not just in the classroom.
About the author: Natalie Richman is a principal at Sweet Apple Elementary in Roswell and a busy mom of 2 boys (Senior and Freshman) and 1 girl (11).
edu180atl 
Yes, yes, yes! I often learn more from my students than perhaps they learn from me.
Learning, teaching, and soaking up the world — all of it goes on everywhere all the time. Thanks for a thoughtful reflection!
Thanks for sharing, Natalie! Those serendipitous moments when we “catch” students engaged in their own discovery is wonderful…and even more wonderful when they are doing it together.
Natalie, Great post. Thank you. I love the image of a principal encountering spontaneous, child-driven learning, and joining in on the conversation. How special that must have felt for that cluster of girls… the Principal not only stopped in to speak with them but engaged in their learning with them. Your post makes me think about how much children really hunger for learning… their sense of curiosity and wonder is just a natural part of who they are. The children at Sweet Apple Elementary are lucky to be surrounded by adults who encourage, facilitate, and participate in their joyful learning journeys.
So true- I wonder everyday who is learning more from whom? The students from my teachings, or am I, just by observing and listening.