And just like that–a quarter of the year is gone. Vanished. But in its trail there begins to emerge stories of learning, stories of growth. A vanishing and materializing moment at once.

Time is a trick. Some days it speeds away. Other days it lingers long. But whether it’s sprinting or dragging, it’s always moving, and as it moves, it creates experiences. And, in the 180 Classroom, that is the essence we are trying to capture with our learning stories. The essence of experience.

Experience is a gift. Sometimes it’s expected. We know what we’re getting before it’s ever unwrapped. Other times it’s a surprise as things unfold and we look inside. And it is with this in mind that I am asking my kids to capture the essence of their experiences. Their successes. Their struggles. Their expectations. Their surprises. Their learning.

For midterm, I have asked my kids to write a preview of sorts for their end-of-the-term Learning Stories. I have asked them to capture the essence of their experiences in our work with theme, writing, and grammar, each a short preview of longer chapters ahead. Once they have done this, then they will self-select a grade for midterm. The goal being that they will have arrived at some wisdom from their reflection on their experiences.

In truth, this is harder for the kids than it might seem, mostly due to the fact that they have rarely, if ever, been given the opportunity, the responsibility to capture their experiences. So with this new experience, I will be patient and realistic about what they are able to capture, expecting that as they do, they will do better. That is the essence of our work.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…growing with grammar.

…viewing The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.