But how will we “catch” their learning?

Been wrestling with a lot of ideas the past few days as I dream and scheme about the creation of a feedback-only classroom. But, the most formidable opponent I’ve been grappling with is how I will capture the learning.

My thinking to this point has pushed me to consider “story” as my desired end based on the early and emerging rationale for creating this feedback-focused experience for my kiddos in the first place.

What is learning?
We learn from experiences.
Experiences provide feedback opportunities.
Feedback opportunities promote growth.
Growth is evidence of learning.
Learning is the goal.
So, our goal is to provide meaningful growth experiences so each student may learn.

Yesterday, I was able to make some headway with my messy thinking. I started with the end in mind, for in the end, I want kids to capture their learning as stories stemming from “growth moments.” Here is what I roughed out in that regard.

This–or some future, better draft of this–is what I hope will empower my kids to capture and tell their stories as we make our way through the feedback cycle to find their “growth moments.” That is what I want; consequently, that is what I never really found with traditional grades, which purported to tell the story, but they were always a report too short. They never truly told the tale.

Numbers and letters get in the way, often creating ends before the learning has even begun. My belief–and certainly neither mine first nor exclusively–is that feedback is the stuff of learning. It is what compels and propels learners. But it also propels and compels teachers. I will no longer “hide” behind symbols, pretending they are an adequate language to communicate learning. Without them, I will be “exposed.” I will have to be a better “feedbacker,” ever mindful of the fact that I am co-authoring my kids’ learning stories every time I open my mouth, or move my pen. And that is my next match, my next wonder to wrestle: the how of my feedback.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Community Circle.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Friday, all. For the most part, “done” with testing. So glad to to authentically engage my kids today. Been an artificial week. Feel like we get our classroom back today.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.