As the days dwindle and motivation wanes, I try to find ways to keep my kids engaged. Not a power broker, I have to turn to inspiration and influence as my means to keep my kids moving, to keep my kids learning this time of year. But even inspiration requires some practical measures along the way. It is not always enough to give a rousing reach-for-the-stars, share-your-truth speech. For many, it also requires a modicum of accountability. So, I oblige. To be fair, my kids are pretty dang motivated most of the time, but they are human, and sometimes humans need a nudge now and again to get things done. So, yesterday, I presented this simple approach to keep things focused and moving. It’s nothing fancy, just a simple record of productivity and progress.

On a sheet of paper, I just had my kids record the following.

Today, I…

Tomorrow, I will…

Productivity Rating: 5 4 3 2 1 (most to least)

They will complete this at the end of each class. I will collect and distribute each day. I am not going to read them away from the kids. I am not checking up–or beating up–on them every day. I am not assigning any points. It is not for me. It is for them. I am not the one with a “Be-A-Voice” speech or debate and a Passion Paper due at the end of the month. They are. But I am the one with a 128 kids who need my help crossing the finish line at the end of the month. And since my help comes in the form of conferencing with kids on their writing, I need to be able to give my full attention to each, which means I only have time to share in the “ownership” of one kid’s learning at a time; the rest need to fully own theirs the rest of the time. So, as such, I am asking them to hold themselves accountable via the “progress record.”

Yesterday, I dubbed May “you MAY work” month. The kids know what they have to do. I am giving them time and help to get there. But that is not enough. They have to take the responsibility for their ownership. It is not my learning. It is theirs. So, I am asking them to track it, to adjust and modify it as necessary. So, come June, when they have to present and share, they are ready to shine. And they will.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will…

…begin with Smiles and Frowns.

…make progress with our writing projects.

…reflect on and record progress.

…end with a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all. It was so great to be back learning with the kids yesterday. Lovely beings, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.