The AVID Runner
Issue 2
Congratulations 8th Graders!!!
The Value Of Looking Back
Excerpt
People are drawn to moments from their past that contrast to their present selves. “Throwback Thursday” photos often have the added purpose of highlighting the fashion and style atrocities of yesteryear, with the implicit idea that we all look so much better now that we have the sense not to wear those parachute pants or style our hair in that once-fashionable mullet.
The end of an academic year is an ideal time to have a Throwback Thursday of our own...
#Throwback Pictures
Kaliyah
Miguel
Ms. Keeton and Ms. Johnson
Reflection Activities
Collage of Words
Using a large sheet of paper, have students write words that described their experience. Provide plenty of creative material (e.g. markers, crayons, colored pencils) and a large sheet of paper on a smooth surface. Give students twenty minutes, and have them explain their work when they’re finished. Explain how without everyone’s contributions, the work wouldn’t be as rich and varied as it is.
Interviews
Encourage students to see their school year through the public’s view by conducting media-style interviews with one another. Remember to cover all the bases: who, what, when, where, why and how. Or go Oprah and ask the hard-hitting questions!
Show and Tell
Individually or in pairs, have students describe items they’ve collected or used throughout the year, including their reactions and emotions regarding the item or the activity it was used in.
Human Sculpture
In a large open space, divide your group into two halves. Each half creates a sculpture around a word or phrase (e.g. Legendary, Middle school) with few props. Then each group displays its ‘art’ for the other group. The watching group can interpret the sculpture, without disruption, for two minutes. When they’re finished, the sculpture group can explain its work.
Group Poem Writing
Like a circle journal, this will bring your group together in a reflection on their school year. Circulate a piece of paper around your group with the title across the top “For Love of Ann Richards" , encouraging each student to write a line in response to the previous until everyone has written. When finished, have a volunteer read the work to the entire group, and then discuss it.
Compile Questions Left Unanswered
In pairs, ask students to write down any question they feel is unanswered from the year. Encourage participants to ask anything, and then report their questions to the large group. Refrain discussion until all the questions are read, but then allow for an open exchange between students.
Imagining 2020
Ask students to imagine that the year is 2020, and the participants in the group have rejoined for a reunion. As a group, reflect on all of the changes that have happened because of the changes you made the past year and the difference that work has made on your life
Graffiti Museum
Glue a wide variety of magazine pictures on construction paper, and post them down a hallway wall. Have participants look through all of the pictures, and chose one that represents their impression of the school year. (e.g. an activity, the day, or the whole week). Gathering in a circle, have students quietly circulate the pictures, and write why they do or don’t relate with the picture.