Second Grade "Double" Scoop
Miss Roberts * Stoy School * November 25, 2018
Academic Effort and Character
Each morning, we have focused mini-lessons on social thinking. Sometimes our conversations will take a short detour and will focus on specific needs in our classroom. Recently, some students have been asked to redo some work after it has been turned in. As a result, we had a class conversation about the time and effort they have been putting into their work throughout the day.
I LOVE food, and it is a topic all second graders can relate to. Therefore, I used an comparison between toast and chicken parm. I asked the students to imagine that after a long day at school, they were really hungry and asked you, their parents, for dinner. One day, they received a piece of toast. We then discussed and shared their thoughts and feelings about the toast-for-dinner idea. The students stated that they would be disappointed and wouldn't understand why toast would be dinner. "All you have to do is put it in a toaster and press a button." In another scenario, they received chicken parm and we had a similar discussion about their thoughts and feelings. The chicken parm was much better and really good. I related both of these examples back to their own work. When they turn work in too quickly, or without putting in an effort, it is as easy as making "toast." The thoughts and feelings they had upon receiving it for dinner matched what they felt when asked to look at or redo some of their work again. However, when they work hard, think carefully, and do their best, it is "chicken parm." As a result, their efforts reflect their capabilities.
Our conversation circled back around to ensure that the students understand that perfection is not expected. No one is perfect. However, they know what they are capable of and even though it may not be easy or quick, they need to always put forth their best effort. The overall goal of our conversation is to give them reference when considering if they did their best.
I LOVE food, and it is a topic all second graders can relate to. Therefore, I used an comparison between toast and chicken parm. I asked the students to imagine that after a long day at school, they were really hungry and asked you, their parents, for dinner. One day, they received a piece of toast. We then discussed and shared their thoughts and feelings about the toast-for-dinner idea. The students stated that they would be disappointed and wouldn't understand why toast would be dinner. "All you have to do is put it in a toaster and press a button." In another scenario, they received chicken parm and we had a similar discussion about their thoughts and feelings. The chicken parm was much better and really good. I related both of these examples back to their own work. When they turn work in too quickly, or without putting in an effort, it is as easy as making "toast." The thoughts and feelings they had upon receiving it for dinner matched what they felt when asked to look at or redo some of their work again. However, when they work hard, think carefully, and do their best, it is "chicken parm." As a result, their efforts reflect their capabilities.
Our conversation circled back around to ensure that the students understand that perfection is not expected. No one is perfect. However, they know what they are capable of and even though it may not be easy or quick, they need to always put forth their best effort. The overall goal of our conversation is to give them reference when considering if they did their best.
Chicken Parm = Best Effort
Students Thoughts and Feelings
- (The person) DID try their best
- (The person) REALLY cares
- (The person) WAS thinking
- (The person) worked hard
- (The person) took her time
- It's is what is expected
Toast = Very Little Effort
Students Thoughts and Feelings
- (The person) didn't try their best
- (The person) didn't care
- (The person) wasn't thinking
- (The person) did not work hard
- (The person) worked quickly
- It's not what is expected
Think About It
Ask your child to share their thoughts and feelings