Crazy that this is the last week of the semester. It’s gone by in a blink. And though there never seems to be enough time to go as far as I’d like, I am pleased with our work and growth this term. And it is just that–growth--that I will ask my kids to consider as they come to the “grading table” this week and tell their stories about their learning and what grade best reflects their learning journey. To that end, I provide the template below to help them capture their stories.

In my room, grades don’t exist until the kids and I come together and “give them life” at the end. We record and report learning experiences and house them in a portfolio all along, but we don’t focus on the grade any more than we are required (mid-term). And when we are required to submit a term grade, we do it together. In my room, one of my self-standards is “I want my kids to feel empowered.” This is one of the ways I do it. I can’t capture learning without the learner. They have to be a part of the conversation. It’s their learning, their story.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…reconnecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…wrapping up with our Wisdom Writers stories.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Monday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.