There were some awkward, clumsy moments. But I will hang it on my fridge. It won’t be hanging in any galleries. But I was proud of our beautiful mess yesterday.

Started our “Truth Project” interviews and presentations yesterday. Kids have had roughly five weeks to pursue a universal idea (theme) in various media to come up with their own truth via a theme statement, for which they had to create their own medium to reflect their discovered “truth.”

Early on in the project, as I was considering the end game for the kids’ work, I decided to have them participate in an interview rather than write an essay. I wrote about my reasons in this earlier post (http://www.letschangeeducation.com/in-the-hot-seat-project-180-day-63/). But the short of it, in an attempt to provide a more-likely, real-world experience, I wanted to give my kids an opportunity to sit in the interview seat, where they could not only share their work but also practice engaging an audience.

I provided seven questions in advance for them to consider and prepare responses for, which they submitted to me on the day of their interview. I also asked them to consider and select one or two of the “engaging-an-audience skills” below, on which they would focus and get feedback on.

PVLEGS

Poise: Appear calm and confident, avoid distracting behaviors

Voice: Speak every word clearly, use just the right volume for the space

Life: Express passion and emotion with your voice

Eye Contact: Connect visually with the audience, look at each audience member

Gestures: Use hand motions, move your body, have an expressive face

Speed: Talk with an appropriate speed—not too slow, not too fast, use pauses for effect and emphasis

Importantly, I do not make “speaking skills” part of their grade. Kids get feedback from their peers and me, but I do not take an already hyper-anxious moment and make it more so by attaching a grade. I think we do kids a great disservice in this area in general. They so rarely get any real preparation or practice in this area, only performances, and during those “performances” they are often held to unrealistic, have-not-been-adequately supported expectations. They are usually placed on the stage and are expected to magically transform themselves into TedTalkers. Anyway, I only give experiences and feedback when it comes to speaking.

For the interview, kids are asked the questions by a panel of their peers. The interview ends with the kids sharing their truth statements and created mediums. And, then, we provide them with feedback.

How’d the first day go? Well, it was the first day. Kids were nervous. Most were prepared. Some weren’t. A few had to ask for an extension. There were some awkward, clumsy moments. But I will hang it on my fridge. It won’t be hanging in any galleries. But I was proud of our beautiful mess yesterday. For even in the messiness that is learning, there were a lot of bright moments.

A particular highlight for me came during 5th period. He was first up, super nervous, and as it turned out, not well-prepared. He stumbled, but his peers saved him. Well, they coaxed him along, rephrased questions, nodded, smiled, and reassured. In the end it wasn’t a “good” interview or presentation, but it wasn’t a terrible experience. It was a great model of empathy and compassion. In their feedback at the end, the kids encouraged him to be more confident, telling him that he got better as it went on. It was a proud moment for me.

Another highlight came 6th when a young lady of color shared her truth about the evils of racism. She nailed the interview, impressing us not only with her poise and gestures (her selected focus-skills) but also–especially–with her passion and personal investment in her topic and work. Below is her truth and medium.

“People don’t see the evils of racism until their eyes are opened to its existence.”

Proud of my kids. All of them, from the messy to the shiny.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…continuing interviews and presentations.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.