I'm choosing to highlight this conversation that I had with a staff member because of this unique name put to a topic that is not entirely new. Providing students with some academic choice, especially around project based learning, is something that I have tried to do in my classroom for years. My understanding of this idea of negotiated curriculum is giving students say in where this mindfulness planning goes. At first I was explaining how I was going to provide the list of techniques for students to draw from for mindfulness times. I was asked about how I could include students' current wonderings and knowledge? How could they help drive what is taught based on what they know and express the need for?
This use of current student knowledge can be a connection to the diverse experiences that students bring to class from their families. What do families already do that could be used in class? What conversations and language do families have already in place that could be connected to the learning in class? How can family needs be connected to the planning for this work?
