Using Student Assets in the Classroom - Poplar Bridge Grade 3

Teachers

The Third Grade team at Poplar Bridge elementary school is Tia Schmidt, Terry Lecher, Amy Thompson, and EL teacher Steph Reaume. They focus on the whole child in their teaching, considering all of the assets that each student brings to the classroom community.

Instructional Strategy

During the past two years, the 3rd grade team at Poplar Bridge has worked to develop Asset-Based Learning in their classrooms. Asset-Based learning is viewing the potential of students through the perspectives of culture, language, interests, experiences, academic and social/emotional behavior and learning. The team views students as assets who each bring unique interests, experiences, cultures, and language abilities to their classrooms.

After interviewing students and families, the teachers develop asset-based profiles that allow them to get to know students as individuals and help the students see the positive attributes they bring to the classroom community. By learning about students as individuals and using their interests to motivate and engage them, these teachers have created classrooms where each child has a voice. The teachers have also partnered with families to incorporate their culture and languages both in and outside of the classroom. The PB third grade team believes that Asset-Based Learning has contributed to both the academic achievement and social-emotional growth of students in their classrooms. 

Poplar Bridge students and staff dine at a local restaurant and share their favorite dishes.

See What It Looks Like

Watch this video to hear the team describe how they used Asset-based Learning in their classrooms.

Additional Resources

• Learn how asset-based teaching connects to cultural responsiveness in How to Create Culturally Responsive Classrooms
• Want to see some examples and learn more about asset-based profiles? Check out these resources.