I tried a new system for free reading last year where students choose whatever they wanted to read, set their own goals, and then graded themselves on whether or not they reached those goals. I eliminated the book report and allowed students to get together and talk about their books with each other in a more casual, but still academic way. All but one of the kids last year said they read significantly more with nearly all of them at least doubling what they read outside of class in comparison to the year before. Just today I was conferencing with students and was initially disappointed because many of them didn't seem to be getting very far in their book. Then I started asking them why they thought they deserved their (high) self-grades. Again and again, a kid would look at me sideways and say things like, "I've never finished a book before and I'm already half way done with this one!" or "This is the first book I've ever finished that wasn't for class" or "I hate reading, but I've nearly finished that book and it is really good- which is crazy because I hate reading". Everyone is at a different place, but we are all moving forward as fast as possible. I am very proud of these kids today.
So I'm walking down the hall at 4:30 trying to finish up some things as quickly as possible so I can go home to my wife and kids when I see two teachers huddled over binders. I pop in and say, "this looks like trouble" (because I am hilarious) and I find out that these two teachers are staying late, even though they both have babies of their own to go home to, because they are working on curriculum for a new book. They weren't complaining, they weren't forced or even paid to do this, in fact one teacher said, "I'm excited to teach something new." This is pretty common and maybe something parents and kids don't see very much so I thought it might be worth a post.
Just blown away by some of the creativity in class today. I asked the kids to tell us about their lives and I left the content and the format completely up to them. Two boys told the story of their lives and their aspirations on video while eating hot peppers- not recommended, but very entertaining. Two girls did the story of their lives, at least partially, through dance. Another student created just an incredible piece of artwork and I'm sure there is more to come.
This week, while working independently on essays and projects, I decided to try to talk with each student one-on-one. I am really glad I did. These kids are just so amazing and I just don't get to see that everyday when we focus solely on content. I have a wonderful student that I had last year that is so quiet in class and I just found out that she is a black belt in Taekwondo! It is only the first day of doing this and already I have met kids that are programming computers, making their own album, playing in rock bands, twirling batons, and competing in tumbling competitions- just to name a few. Not only that, but I am so impressed by their understanding of their own learning styles, what they need to do well in the classroom, and what they need to be successful in school. I've tried so many things in the past to get to know kids from surveys, to storytelling, to videos, but I guess there is just no substitute for a good old fashioned conversation.
We do a little assignment at the beginning of the year where kids show a scar and tell the story of how they got it. Then the class listens and tries to guess what that person is like based on their story. It teaches indirect characterization, basic plot, reading strategies, and theme- but really the main reason I do it is to get to know the kids. Telling the scar story generally works because it can be hard to go up in front of a class of strangers during the first week and tell them something personal about your life. But today I heard something so brave and honest that it just made me want to be a better person myself. Instead of a fluffy or funny story, this student told about his parents' divorce and some of the most painful and personal memories from his past. It is hard for me to explain this, but he did it with such poise and perspective that I just felt lucky to get to teach this old soul. Such honesty, such guts!
So I was inspired by a fellow teacher to try to capture some of the great things that I see happening everyday. I'll try to put a few here at least once a week.
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