For the past couple of weeks as we have delved into Reader's Workshop, we have been analyzing the writing of J.R. Parker. Each chapter of Kestrel's Midnight Song has provided a perspective for thought. We have looked at the power of setting, who is introduced and why, where is the plot taking us, and wondering if we can see through the eyes of the main character Micah.
It is through perspective that the kids learn different ways to present and digest information. They also learn compassion when we take it to the personal level. In P.E., dodge ball is where we gain the ability to feel competitive and collaborative the most. Besides getting super sweaty and winded, we find out about what losing and winning is and how we grow from knowing both. We are constantly debriefing and reflecting about how the game went and how each has improved in throwing, catching, and dodging personally. We are talking about how life isn't fair and our personal perspective--whether it is seeing events as either an adventure or an ordeal, really, is all about attitude. This is taken directly from Lats and Ats magazine.:)
In Writer's Workshop, we are creating the rubric for the Cutest Kid Persuasive Essay contest. It has been very interesting for them to learn to be convincing. As parents, you know that each of the 5/6 possesses an uncanny ability to get their way, but being able to describe oneself and how not be boastful has been a hard task and one that has allowed them to think critically about their own qualities. This perspective helps them to learn their story and what they bring to each situation. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is a valuable skill to have developed.
The week before last our crew had a terrific substitute, Ms. Boysen, while I was in Richmond for an EL Institute. Once again, a new perspective was appreciated. The kids learned yoga and really thought about their work. I could tell that they wondered what my perspective would be. They did great. The room was so organized and clean. Having them see the room from my perspective was greatly appreciated!
The kids and I have been talking a lot about how they are changing. They are getting old enough to have experienced many things now and that perspective, I hope, will remind them that they have lots more to learn. And we have lots more to do together.
Ms. Bonzo's PPSEL 5-6 Crew... Be sure to scroll past the posts to get to all the pictures... This is the blog for the 5th and 6th graders at Palouse Prairie School of Expeditionary Learning. These kids are terrific and these pages and pictures are for their parents and community to know what they are doing and learning with a focus on the 10 Design Principles of Expeditionary Learning.
