It all started when I ran out of time taking a running record. I asked Samantha (name changed), “I need to start morning meeting, can you write and draw what happened in the story?”
When I finally got back to the table, this is what I found.
Samantha worked so hard, and it was so large, I stuck it up on a blank bulletin board, so I wouldn’t forget to talk with her about it. Then I moved on with the day.
A few days later, a child asked, “Mrs. Mulligan, what is that?” I explained, “Samantha made that to show her learning.”
The week marches on, and the children finish their math work a little early. I say, “Mathematicians, we have some time, please log in to Dreambox and play some math games.” John raises his hand, “Mrs. Mulligan, I don’t want to work on Dreambox. Can I create my own math work instead?”
I respond, “That is an interesting idea John. I can’t wait to see what you create.”
That was all it took. John hung his work right next to Samantha’s and the learning wall was born.
Do you know what’s funny about all of this? I couldn’t figure out what to do with this bulletin board.
Happy Writing and Happy Snow Day, New England!
Tam
I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic
I absolutely love this! I love when things like this happen in the classroom!!
Amazed at what Samantha was able to show in her work through her simple drawings- body language and positioning, facial expressions. I wonder what the other students think about her art? They might pick up some tips for their own efforts at conveying a story in pictures~
I know I did… can’t wait to practice facial expressions for my journaling!
I love how naturally the learning wall became into existence. May it continue to grow!
I really hope it continues too.
Seeing students do things like this is one of my favorite things. I hope you will post updates on this wonderful wall!
A learning wall!!!! How fantabulous.
Fabulous!
I love that you had a blank bulletin board just waiting for sharing opportunities from your learners.
Brilliance born out of necessity! Perfect!
One of my favorite parts about this is your students’ ownership of their learning. Bravo! I hope it continues.