Fifth Grade Teacher David Lifton

I have been teaching in Portland Public Schools for fourteen years with the past five of those at Creative Science School. One of the things I love about teaching is that each school year brings a new group of young people with new hopes, dreams, and challenges. As I plan for the school year I like to look back, not just to what worked well last year, but also to other experiences I’ve had that can enrich the classroom.

Prior to entering the teaching profession I worked in Community Radio at KBOO, ran a movie theatre, taught skiing, worked in print shops and did some construction. All of these jobs along with my own schooling help me as I work with the students to create a fun and interesting learning environment. Here are a few examples of what we do.

The Constructivist model of education that we foster at CSS values the prior knowledge and experience of the students (and teacher).

One method I have found very useful is Scottish Storyline in which the students create a story complete with characters, setting and events that is used to teach the subject we are studying. The students are encouraged to use what they know to create this story world and when you visit our class you’ll be introduced to the characters and place and maybe even asked to take a part.

Students learn a great deal when they have to test out their ideas and have them confirmed or challenged in the process. Through a variety of projects over the curriculum I try to provide situations for them to test out their ideas. Our math series Investigations is a good example of this approach. As someone who struggled with math as a youth I appreciate the way Investigations invites students to form their own strategies and then test and compare them with each other. Cooperative learning is encouraged in math and during many of our activities. This gives the students the chance to learn from and teach each other.

Learning happens in many ways and many places. Last year we had a wonderful experience with the Architects in the Schools program. We were able to combine it with our storyline on Colonial America. Over the years I have seen the benefit of getting out of the classroom and into other spaces. Field trips, either around the block or farther a field are an important part of our year. This includes an end of the year overnight for the fifth graders.

Just as the students bring their prior knowledge to the classroom I too like to share what I know and love with them. Some of these things are a love and respect for nature, a strong interest in music and I hope a sense of curiosity and wonder.