WRITER'S WORKSHOP: NATURE, ICE CREAM, SCRUBBING TOILETS, AND MORE
We had our first Writers' Workshop in the woods this week and everyone was excited to experience and write about what types of things we love to do outside. We are planning to spend some time on the nature trail again next week to write more! In our unit on persuasive writing we have learned that there are different formats for writing when you see a problem and want to make a change. One of the formats we've learned about is petitions. As you might have guessed, children get really excited when you tell them they can make a change through their writing...and then it gets interesting to see what they truly care about changing. :) We did a little math and figured out that in order for a motion to pass in what we call the "laws of room 101", a petition must have at least 15 signatures (25 students + 3 teachers=28, 1/2 of 28 is 14, so 15 makes a majority). Here are some examples of petitions that have been written (and there are oh so many more), each complete with reasons: Passed (at least 15 people signed)
Yesterday I wrote my own petition about how we should keep the room really clean. I went around to all the tables during Writers' Workshop and said "Hey, I wrote a petition about how we should keep the room clean. Will you sign it?" No one looked at the fine print. Everyone signed. Of course, they were all shocked when I read it aloud later and they heard the part stating "If you agree to help scrub the toilets and clean the floors with your toothbrushes, please sign below." They tried to revolt, but I told them it was only to teach them a lesson, and toothbrushes could stay clean and at home. So, the lesson we learned yesterday was: Don't sign anything unless you have read it and understand it. Hopefully that one will stick with them past kindergarten. STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES: WHAT TO EXPECT We have reviewed this format a number of times, and each child has practiced leading a conference for an adult acting as the parent. Below is what your child should do in his/her conference. A guide with these steps will be on a clipboard on the table with him/her, but you may need to point to the next step if your child seems lost (everyone did well with practices, but some children are nervous and may need a little prompt to keep on track).
Please use the blue "Parent Prompts" sheet to guide conversation with your child during the conference as needed. Let me know if you have any questions before Monday. We can't wait to see you!
3 Comments
Shannon
3/25/2016 01:18:43 pm
This is adorable.
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Margaret
3/25/2016 01:19:43 pm
So glad y'all did this participatory law-making activity--it was totally timely since Georgia legislators wrapped up their work in the wee hours this morning!
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April 2016
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