Something gratifying about kids’ digging into work without a grade to motivate them. Of course this has been a common phenomenon in the 180 classroom for some time now. Tracing the roots all the way back to year one, where I gave all an A for the year to take grades off the table, our little sprout has grown considerably, and this year, as we add a new growth ring, we climb ever higher through the canopy, chasing the light of a new day, a new way.

As I shared in yesterday’s post, I decided to approach our reading of Night a little differently this year. Resolved that different needs to be different, I am always seeking to shake things up a bit, for without grades to create compliance, I have to find new ways to motivate my kids. So, I presented a challenge.

I gave my kids 72 hours to read the book. Ever mindful of their stress levels, I took note of some wide-eyed, stress-eyed responses, especially Morgan (name changed) who was already on the verge of tears, worrying about her AP World History test the next hour. So, I offered some perspective in an effort to provide some relief.

“It’s a challenge. Just that. If it weren’t challenging, it wouldn’t be a challenge. If you make it, awesome. If you don’t, it’s not a big deal. You will have more time. Please don’t stress.”

Beyond the challenge, I also attempted to appeal to their sense of humanity as a reason to read Elie’s story, telling them that I didn’t want them to read it because of the test at the end–there is no test. I want them to read it because they are members of the human race. We will do many things with the text afterwards as we continue to seek answers to the question, “How does the human experience connect and divide us?” One of those things will be an impact statement.

“As a human, Elie’s story matters to me because…. I will remember.”

I shared my impact statement yesterday.

And then…the kids dug into the text, and for the next forty minutes they chased the challenge, but not all the kids.

As my regular readers know, I offer lifelines. As I already mentioned above, Morgan and many of her peers were super stressed about a test, and so, some of them inquired about using their lifelines. The answer was, “Of course, they are yours to use when you like, but I’ll make you a deal. If you want to use my class time to study for your test today and you still meet the challenge deadline, then it will not cost you a lifeline. If you don’t, then you owe me a lifeline. It’s up to you.”

Consequently, many used the time to address the stress in their lives and studied for the test. Will they finish the book by Thursday? Yes, I think they will. How will I know? I trust them. Naive? Maybe. But it’s real. No pretense. No compliance. Just commitment. Their branches will never find the sun by faking it. And that’s on them. All I can do is point the way. They have to grow.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will…

…begin with Smiles and Frowns.

…say our Mindset Mantra.

…chase our challenge (48 hours to go).

…reflect in our Journey Journals.

…end with a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.