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Fresh Start

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers blog for hosting
Slice of Life every Tuesday. 

 There are so many reasons that I love being a teacher...that moment when you see a student find a book they love. Watching a struggling student finally understand a concept they've been struggling with for days. Reading thoughtful, creative, reflective writing from 11 and 12 year olds. I live for these moments. 

 Another reason I love teaching is new beginnings. Wednesday begins second quarter. I like wrapping up the learning from one quarter and moving onto something new. Second quarter is fun because we all know each other, students know expectations and we are into the groove of school. The focus becomes the learning.

 Yesterday was spent planning learning experiences for second quarter. Thanks to the ideas & inspiration of my PLN I'm working on a social issues unit. We will be reading about social issues and researching and writing about social issues. What's better than getting students involved in the real world, while they are learning!

 When I started thinking about this unit, I wondered if sixth grade was too young to be aware of social issues...boy, was I wrong! These students are aware of the world around them in a way I never was in sixth grade. I can't wait to see what they do with these learning opportunities. Maybe someone will do something like this...


What a privilege...I get to watch my sixth graders find ways to change the world!


I recently discovered that one of my all time favorite books, Pay it Forward, was made available in a young readers edition. I reread it recently and rediscovered my love for these words! I admire the assignment the teacher gives in this book and how it changes his students...

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Comments

  1. ABoydenNovember 4, 2014 at 5:52 AM

    I love intertwining disciplines. That really connects kids to life doesn't it? And kids are so aware of social issues! Way more than I was at that age.

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  2. Holly MuellerNovember 4, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    Ooh, I need to get the Pay it Forward book! I agree - 6th graders are a perfect age for this theme topic. They are ready to participate in changing the world!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. TaraNovember 4, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    Sixth grade is the perfect time for social issues - they are so ready to start thinking big. And I love the joy of teaching that permeates this slice.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda BNovember 4, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    It's a most inspiring post, Michelle. I loved seeing each video, will share with my colleagues. Thank you for taking the time to show us two examples that show kids "doing"!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 4, 2014 at 8:54 AM

    Teaching is full of new beginnings and possibilities. Given the chance, our students never cease to surprise and amaze us with what then can do.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousNovember 4, 2014 at 3:18 PM

    Wonderful post. I found even my fourth graders liked talking about current events and social issues. They have such a strong sense of justice and some great ideas on how we can all be better humans on this Earth.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Vanessa WorrellNovember 4, 2014 at 6:09 PM

    Michelle, I loved your post! Your students are lucky to have a teacher that sees the big picture and uses authentic audiences and issues.

    ReplyDelete
  8. JaanaNovember 4, 2014 at 9:08 PM

    Wonderful to celebrate new ideas and new plans! I look forward to reading more about your social issues unit!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousNovember 4, 2014 at 9:40 PM

    It's wonderful that you can continue to love teaching given the climate teachers live in these days. Keep feeding your passion and sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JulieanneNovember 5, 2014 at 12:13 AM

    I love, love, love this. Thank you so much for making a difference in so many lives, in your classroom and in mine. You and your enthusiasm spread to my kiddos! Grateful to you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. JulieanneNovember 8, 2014 at 8:41 PM

    Showed my students this on Thursday (our genius hour day). It set the tone perfectly.

    ReplyDelete

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