Worthy Work
Expect the Very Best and Believe Children are Capable
Worthy Work = Work that is Worthy of our Students' TIME, EFFORT and INTELLECT
How can you make small changes that will make a BIG difference?
- Believe students are capable!
- Let students have choice in their learning while still following the expectations of the classroom, school, and teacher.
- BLANK PAPER!! So many times if we give students a blank slate we will get so much more!
Here is one example of taking away the worksheet...
The worksheet...Can this be done a different way?
How can you change this assignment to show students you believe they are capable?
Many times worksheets limit what students will do, they see it as filling in the blanks to complete the assignment.
Believe Students are Capable!
What if they chose their own topic and wrote on paper or blank books of their choice?
Your guidance is still needed, but it gives students more ownership of what they are learning.
Worthy Work
Students were given an opportunity to write their own "How to" stories. After some teacher modeling and some practice acting out steps students decided on a topic and began planning. Some had only three steps, but most had more! This writing gives the teacher such insight on where to go next with each student.
What Does the Research Say?
Expert opinion and case studies suggest that showcasing worthy work can be useful in demonstrating pride in student learning. It communicates to students and the community the expectations and commitment to quality work. Displaying student work and the learning process encourages discussions about teaching and learning.
Documenting the Worthy Work of Students
Does student work show what you value?
Does it represent what you believe about children?
Does it paint a picture of life in your classroom?
Why document learning?
- It shows the students, school, and community what you value.
- It gives students a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- It shows what we value as a teachers and as a whole school.
- It gives both students and teachers a chance to reflect on the learning taking place.
- It helps students make connections.
- It gives a sense of belonging--classroom, school, community, world.
Dot Day
Pictures and a quick explanation let others in on your learning, too!
Best Part of Me
Did you read a book that inspired the class writing? Tell the world about it by adding a short description.
Inquiry
Inquiry work is usually a great place to start with documentation.