“I didn’t really know a lot of the people in this class at the beginning of the year; now I find myself striking up conversations with them in the hallway. Smiles and Frowns has connected us in ways I never expected. That’s been my human experience this semester.”

Male Student, Grade 10, Period 3

How does the human experience connect and divide us? This has been the Essential Question at the center of our work all semester; from the content we explore to the conversations we hold, we have sought to better understand the human experience. So, going into our Learning Conferences, I asked the students to address and discuss our EQ. Most of them, as expected, referenced our work in their discussion, but many of them made specific references to our daily ritual of Smiles and Frowns. I did not expect this. But I could not have been more pleased as kid after kid spoke their “truth” about Smiles and Frowns and the impact its had on their understanding of the human experience.

“In my room I want students to feel connected.” This is my first #myroom standard. Yesterday, and through only a handful of conferences due to our late-start schedule, kids confirmed what I already feel as I live and learn among my little humans day to day: we are connected. And that to me, is deeply satisfying.

“But, of all, I have discovered this is my learning. My learning. And you have given me the opportunity to realize that. I never thought of it like that before. It’s my learning.”

Female Student, Grade 10, Period 3

What evidence of learning do you have from this semester? This was the second question kids had to address in our Learning Conferences. Most of the responses focused on their Performances (assessments) from the semester, for, as evidence goes, their Performance scores carry the most weight. Kids had to discuss their Performances. The young lady above covered all that. It was an easy part of the conversation. She met standard on all of the Performances. Really, for her, it was a slam dunk, and she and I knew it going into the conference. So, I neither needed nor expected her to do much more than go through the motions; she did exceptionally well this semester–on everything. But she did more than go through the motions; she shared her sentiment about owning her learning. Her learning. I was thrilled, and I let her know how important her response was to me, how it helped validate everything I am trying to do. She did not need to say it. She was not “sucking up.” Her “A” was secured long before the conference. She was speaking her truth about her learning, and it could not have made me happier.

In my room I want students to feel empowered. This is my second #myroom standard. I want kids to realize the power–and responsibility–that comes from ownership. It is their learning. And it is something that I try to instill in them every single day. So, when she intimated her feelings of ownership yesterday, it placed me on top of the world. I gushed.

With just barely a start behind me, my next days will be filled with more student truths as I meet each face to face in our sharing of a moment that tries to capture the essence of their learning. Their learning.

Today, I will listen. Today, I will learn.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…trying to put a finger on learning.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Friday, all. Have a great weekend.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.