Academic choice is our favorite time in the day. Children build, write, draw, create, label, negotiate, plan, and play during this time. Jack has been excited about a new book in his library, but to use his choice time to have a reading group? What a powerful idea.
What does his idea tell us about Jack and his growth as a reader? What does his idea tell us about his pride in his development and his love for his peers? For Jack and Evan this idea would be an incredible opportunity to develop their confidence. We often have reading and writing celebrations, but this felt authentic.
On Wednesday as children made their choices, I let them know that at any time they could quietly join Jack and Evan for a little reading group. A few friends joined them, but it can be hard to walk away from your block structure or painting.
As we neared the end of choice Jack approached me.
"Ms. Cassidy, we're not getting a lot of people. I think we need a sign. Signs get people."
So, Jack and Evan made a sign. Suddenly, a few more friends came to read.
I knew I had a roll of tickets in the closet. Now that there was a crowd around their sign, it seemed helpful to have tickets. Jack and Evan began to give out reading tickets, filling their pockets with blue paper stubs. Of course, as choice ended, the excitement over the reading tickets continued.
Can I use my ticket tomorrow? Can I have two tickets? Can I keep my reading ticket in my cubby and use it more than once? Bring tickets to lunch and give them out to teachers! These are REAL tickets!
Jack and Evan had a reading group during their choice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Their joy grew as Ms. Bethany came to listen. On Friday, Ms. Shelley, Ms. Rochford and Mr. McQuade redeemed their reading tickets!
With every guest and visitor, Jack and Evan warmly and eagerly welcomed them to their reading group. While reading workshop is a time to teach and empower young readers, this experience was truly the most empowered I have seen both Jack and Evan. As choice ended on Friday, children asked if they could also have a reading group during choice. Many asked if I had more tickets.
We want students to take initiative of their learning, but we have to be flexible in our days to support their initiatives. We have to build a classroom environment and community that encourages children to share and try out their plans and ideas. Test them out, change them, and inspire their peers to do the same. We need to listen more and remember the extraordinary in the ordinary. For many, perhaps Jack's initial idea would have been an ordinary moment, but look how it developed- look how their idea grew and continues to grow.
Of course, we must also always have materials to make signs and tickets!
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