This is from Amy Marshall, who listens to her students when make their own statements about how they want to learn in her classroom:
Hi Ben –
I just wanted you to know that my students, without prompting, confirmed everything you are telling us about teaching language. Everything you say in your books that would help them learn and connect with the language is exactly what they told me they liked and wanted more of….
I had serious conversations with my three seventh grade classes today. I will have all of them again next year and they know that I value their opinions. I asked them what they liked, didn’t like, wanted more or less of, etc. They had so many great thoughts and ideas. I took many notes. They were so thoughtful in their responses that it made me proud, but even more it confirmed what I keep hearing about making my class all about them. Some of their top thoughts were that they want more one word images and to make up stories as a class with those characters. They also love when I spend time asking questions that let them tell me who they are and to learn about other people in the class*. They want me to hang out longer with the stories we create and linger/play with the stories for a while before moving on.
They could have written best practices for using CI. Maybe they read some of your books…?
I promised my students that I was taking a workshop with you and Tina this summer and that I would work to get better at it!
Looking forward to Portland, Maine!
Best,
Amy Marshall
*[asterisk mine: search Sabrina/Star of the Week for more information on how to talk to kids in class about them and their interests. Also search Jody Noble and the term “Special Chair”.]
