Every Day, English Opens a New Chapter

I am going to let the words of my students speak today. We are working together on writing a class mission statement. I've written about the process here and here. One class is still in the revision process. They are at the point where they have completed individual or small group statements and they are on their way to revising for one statement.

Here are some of their ideas...

Many of these posters have been revised already. The next step is sharing and revising.

In my other class, we revised as a class. (Have you ever tried that? Revising with an entire classroom full of sixth graders. It isn't easy, but it was lots of fun.) Each group shared their mission statement. We applauded and then we picked out the best words, phrases, and ideas to include in one class mission statement. 

As we finished for the day, I reminded them that the loud and messy process we just completed is called revision. I said, "It's hard and messy, sometimes loud and fun, but it's always worth it." One of my students asked, "Is it like teaching?" Yes.

We completed our mission statement. It's done. Before you remind me that it's too long, I know. I don't care. We know how short mission statements should be, but we are revising that for our purposes. The students want to stand and say our mission at the beginning of each class. I can't wait to start today. Here's the final version. These words are written by them. This is THEM...

Every day, English opens a new chapter. I will pick up my books and pens and take down the monster that is known as doubt.  In English, there is no limit to what you can write or what you can read. I will explore new ideas in my daily writing with creativity. I will listen and be involved for the better of the class.

This room is where we are on the same team, so we will forgive and understand because everyone has a story. We express ourselves with confidence Staying focused and showing kindness to others will be the key to success for this year. This is the room where you can be yourself.

Be kind to everyone, everywhere, every day.

We’re savage--no one can change that. In the end, there is one thing you need to take away from this class, and that is…… YOU CAN DO IT!

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