Learning Gems
Learning Gems are used to support the children in becoming effective learners, “learning for today – inspiring for tomorrow.” This approach seeks to improve specific learning behaviours whilst enabling the children to recognise and develop key life skills. Each gem focuses on a specific learning behaviour and these are introduced to the children to enhance their readiness to learn. The six ‘gem powers’ we highlight to the children are; Diamond (independent thinking), Sapphire (keeping focus), Amethyst (being courageous), Ruby (supporting others), Topaz (collaboration) and Emerald (cooperation).
Diamond: Being responsible & Independent thought.
- Tried to solve his/her own problem rather than relying on an adult
- Used their learning ‘toolkit’ (different strategies they have been taught) to identify what they needed to do when they were stuck.
- Used their talk partners/teachers to ask good questions to help move their learning on.
Sapphire: Keeping focus
- Keeps on task even though there are lots of distractions.
- Keeps listening to others (teacher and others in the class) even when there are distractions.
Amethyst: being courageous and sticking with it even when it gets tough.
- Brave enough to ‘have a go’ with their learning even though they know they might make a mistake.
- Comfortable to make mistakes as they know these help them to learn.
- Learn from their mistake, ‘bounce back’, and stick with it.
- Remain calm even though they have been upset or angry.
Ruby: Supporting others
- Gives support to others by listening to them and smiling at them.
- Praises others when they do well.
- Helps others when they have a problem.
Topaz: Collaboration & learning in a big group
- Shared at least one idea with the whole group.
- Taken turns to share ideas.
- Asked different questions in their group to make sure that they have known that their idea is in everyone’s heads.
Emerald: Cooperation & learning with a partner
- Shared ideas with their partner talking and listening skills.
- Take in turns to listen and then share what they thought.
- Added new idea to their old ones.