Morning, all. Hope everyone had a restful, peaceful holiday. Mine was great, maybe too great. Gonna take a couple of days to get back into the groove. The same will be true for the kiddos, too.

But with the end of term upon us, we can’t take too long to get back in the swing of things. Too much to do. To few days left. But that’s always the case. So, we will do what we can with what we have.

One big item of importance that still remains is reading Elie Wiesel’s Night. And this year, I am going to try something different. We are going to do a “read-in to remember.” With the exception of Smiles and Frowns, we will devote every minute in class to reading his memoir this week. Our goal will be to finish it by Friday. For those who don’t, I will ask them to finish it over the weekend so we are officially done by next Monday. That’s the goal. Most will make it. Some won’t.

As I’ve discussed before, that is simply the reality, regardless of how much time I give. Kids will read, or they won’t. Yes, it will be used for our summative check on theme; yes, it is an important part of our collective humanity, and yes, all people should read it, but despite my efforts to inspire and motivate, some will simply not read it. And while that’s frustrating and disappointing, it’s what it is. So, why give them so much class time? I feel like I have to. I can’t stand in front of them and talk a big game and then not support what I expect. I will give them opportunity. I will support them with time. The reading is up to them. Here are two questions I will pose to get them to consider the implications of their choices.

What happens if you don’t read Night?

What happens if you do read Night?

I am interested in their responses. I want them to find their ways by considering their own cause-and-effect relationships with their learning. It’s in their hands.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…reconnecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…making choices about our learning.

…reading Night to discover connection and division in the human experience.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Monday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.