The 4 C's : Noticing & highlighting the "Good Stuff" in Education

In today's age, information is cheap and thinking sometimes is the million dollar question. The 4 Cs are not a curriculum, a program, a fad, a passing thing...they are the critical tools for 21st-century learners and workers. The good news? It's all very possible, in fact YOU are doing it...but can we find ways to add to it? Increase the opportunities? Let's take a look at the C's in a bit more detail:

Collaboration: Whether it's digital or analog, collaboration is key. I can't remember the last time I did something well and did it alone. (I'll probably even pull in some help to edit me here! -->I'm looking at your Mr. English Teacher...just ignore my ellipses. I think they add character...but seriously let me know what to change! There isn't a job out there that doesn't require collaboration. Collaboration is not an innate skill. It takes opportunities to grow and develop. Classrooms are the perfect place to help kids learn to work together. Sharing ideas, relying on each other to learn, project experts...Learning to collaborate = priceless.

Communication: Let's face it - it's everywhere. In-person, messenger, chat boxes, email, text messages, Snap Chat.... the list goes on and on. There are a plethora of ways to communicate, but what's the right way? How do we navigate all these digital tools? How can students learn to use these tools, with our guidance? In a classroom that adds the 4 C's, communication falls in easily. This classroom also helps students develop good digital citizen habits in their uber-connected world.

Critical Thinking: Google, remember when it was just a number...., search engines, or the phone at your hand has made finding information easy in 2021. But, finding the right information, from a credible source, and knowing what to do with it....that's critical thinking. Having "the world at my fingertips" is great and all...but what if I don't know what to do? Students need chances to analyze, problem-solve and figure out the answers - when the answers aren't clear. That's life, right? Not usually one simple answer...

Creativity: I don't think it's fair to have a favorite C, but if I did.... Again - this doesn't have to be digital, but it also doesn't only pop up in analog. Creativity is a muscle that only grows with practice. Students know what they like (#likeandsubscribe). They know what's fun, entertaining and time-stealing...but do they have chances to find their flow? Technology sometimes gets a bad rap when it is used for too much consumption (YouTube, TikTok, Facebook...I'm looking at you!) but what about when it's used for students to create? to share? to do good? In schools, we have the perfect opportunity to give them boundaries, purpose, and freedom to create. Given the chance, students almost always amaze and astound me. New inventions/creations don't happen when we follow what's already been done...

In closing, this is a HUGE topic. This article is just the tip of the iceberg. We'll keep diving into this, and as my role as partner - I will keep seeking and aiming to bring you anything to help you add this to your toolbox. The best part - you can start anytime, start small, start big...try something. Even better - it's not all digital, it's not all print - it's just about good teaching and learning opportunities.

I'm happy to help you explore and find ways you didn't know could engage and inspire your students! So, this December carve some time to have fun, work hard..and add some extra C's in your world! Below I've posted some ideas to get you started.

Now....back to those first C's......cookies?

With care,

Quick Clicks! For Fun...and Function