1. I showed it to my kids a few different times without providing any kind of forewarning about what was to come. I just wanted them to enjoy it and take it in.
2. Eventually we talked about how cool it would be if we made our own lists, and I asked the question, "How could we share our lists with the whole school?" I got a great answer - make posters.
3. I purposefully divided them into teams of 3 or 4.
4. Each team brainstormed their own list of 20 things we should say more often. Not every team got to 20, but I wanted them to at least reach 10.
5. Each team chose their favorite 10 from their list.
6. I edited for free. (It saved me time with these little people. This lesson took several days anyway.)
7. After agreeing on some important requirements, each team wrote their 10 things on large construction paper with pencil.
8. Then they traced with marker.
9. We brainstormed appropriate and highly visible places throughout the school where the posters could be posted.
10. Each team wrote a letter to the person who would need to give them permission to use that space.
11. The teams delivered their posters and letters and up the posters went.
I loved this lesson for several reasons.
* It took a lot of cooperation. A lot!
* It required them to think about character.
* It allowed them to practice many different essential literacy skills.
* It was oozing purpose and audience.
* It's been an important foundation for teachable moments. ("Oops, that's not on our list. How would you say that differently?")
* I often use the lists as front-loading tools before conflict can even begin.
Thank you Kid President for the inspiration!
This is so great! For some reason I can imagine Mayor Grace and her siblings doing something like this. I can also imagine my big kids doing it, too.
ReplyDeleteLaur, Mayor Grace would totally pull this off as could your kids. They'd probably come up with some great thoughts.
DeleteLove it, love it! I love the way you see things, and make connections that you can pass on to you kids -- and I can borrow and pass on to my kids. Sara
ReplyDeleteSara, thank you. I'm honored you would want to pass this on!
DeleteWell, bless your little cotton socks! :) I LOVE this idea! What a cool way to have the kids really apply what they have learned. Some of their phrases are so true-even if adults said some of those things more the world would be a better place! Love this Tammy!
ReplyDeleteMiss Trayers, thanks! I was very happy with their lists. Of course, some of them were fairly predictable, but we had a nice variety.
DeleteLOVE this!!! The purpose of audience is soooooooo important! What a wonderful lesson to have students work together in a cooperative way!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Clancy, thank you. The lesson was a great reminder of what happens to motivation when there's a real purpose and audience.
DeleteTammy, this is brilliant! We're going to do this next week. My class is really in need :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're always sharing your fabulous ideas!
Barb, let me know how it goes. Take pictures even. I'd love to see them!
DeleteTammy, this is a super idea. I'm going to try it with my class. I love the positiveness of it. I'm sure the kids will love it. Thanks for sharing your terrific ideas.
ReplyDeleteClaire
Claire, you're very welcome. I hope it proves to be a blessing in your room.
DeleteThis is writing for real purpose and for a real audience! Authentic and character teaching all in one. :)
ReplyDeleteLori, it felt like everything came together in this lesson. I need to replicate that in more lessons for sure!
DeleteI started this lesson today!! LOVE IT, Each group came up with 20 things we should say more often. We will make the posters over the next couple of days. I love this and needed this! I was already referring to their lists when I heard "ugly" talk. Thanks for the GREAT idea!
ReplyDeleteJay, you're very welcome. I hope that the process makes a difference in your class.
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