We are experiencing the final week of the quarter this week. It can be a stressful time...finishing assignments and grades. In room 734, we are reflecting.
Yesterday I asked the students how many of them take selfies- ALL the hands went up (well, most of the hands). We talked about selfies and why people take them and share them.
"So people can see how good you look!"
"So you can see how you look, like a mirror."
"For memories, to see where you've been and what you've done."
"To see how you've changed over time."
YES! And that's why we reflect...to see how we look today and how we've changed and grown over time and to share that with others for feedback.
From there I gave the class a list of questions as a guide for their reflection and they were off. Some created flipgrid videos, others wrote letters, and a few even shared their reflections in notebook pages.
Reflecting is a tough process for anyone and even tougher for seventh graders who don't have much experience with it. These students rose to the challenge. They noted their successes and their failures. They focused on their achievements and unwittingly set goals for their next quarter.
Sitting in the presence of students as they reflect on themselves as learners, as readers, as writers, as collaborators, as communicators...it's amazing. As this first quarter comes to a close, I'm proud of every single one of my students and I can't wait to kick off quarter two!
What a great way to hook them into reflections! Can't wait to hear more about your plans for the second quarter. Your students are ratcheting up their learning!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to engage your writers: connect to selfies! I think many of us struggle with reflection because or our urge to get it right!
ReplyDeleteYour selfie connection was a great one and your post just brims with positive energy!
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