9/17/08

Today I wasn't feeling very well (both physically and in preparedness for class), but a little chat with Kate helped me get my plans in order and gave me a chance to share some of my frustrations and concerns. Once again, we walked over to Dunbar together.

For the first time ever, my students didn't show up extremely early. I got the classroom setup and started class with a quick chat about how writing studio went. The students seemed really tired and didn't say a lot, but claimed it was helpful.

I then had them think about their writing processes. We came up with a short list as a class of what steps we could possibly have our writing processes. Then I had them list what steps they thought they took and then draw out their process. They were really self conscious about drawing, but I showed them my process and told them that they didn't need anything elaborate.

After that I had them close up our u-shape desk configuration into a circle and we did a cake-walk style peer review session. Basically, they had their original flyer and most recently revised flyer and memo. They put the three documents on their desks and then I had them stand up in front of the desk. I then passed around a sheet that had a section for praises, problems, and proposals that they had to set on their desk so others could leave them comments. Finally, I gave them a number and direction and then they would move to a new seat, sit down, and leave comments for their classmates.

We only were able to have three people look at each project, but the students had almost a full sheet of comments. We then had a quick discussion for the last five minutes on what really good things they saw in each others work, what problems they had, and what they could do to make their projects really good. They didn't have a lot to say, but what they did say was really good. As they left the class, I offered that I would review any of their work and only one student requested my help.

After the rest of the class left, I began my teacher consultations. I had them do the goal sheets like I did last week. They were a little less pumped about making goals than the group was last week, but they still worked with me and were honest about what they needed to work on. I am really proud of them for identifying their strengths and weaknesses.