After returning from winter break, the fourth grade students began a novel study on Mary on Horseback, a story that examines the start of the Frontier Nursing Service and life in rural Appalachia. As an opening activity, the students participated in a See, Think, Wonder thinking routine using pictures of life in Appalachia and America in the 1920′s. This activity was a great way for young students with a limited perspective of the world to connect with the characters in the novel and to begin generating questions for literature circle discussions.
As a culminating project, the students completed the Color, Symbol, Image thinking routine. The students reflected on the protagonist and identified a color, symbol, and image that represented the essence of her character. It was very exciting to see what each student created and to share all of the varying perspectives on the novel. Here are a few examples of the C.S.I. routine:
As a culminating project, the students completed the Color, Symbol, Image thinking routine. The students reflected on the protagonist and identified a color, symbol, and image that represented the essence of her character. It was very exciting to see what each student created and to share all of the varying perspectives on the novel. Here are a few examples of the C.S.I. routine:
Initially, I was hesitant to use thinking routines as a means of assessment because I questioned the “data”, or lack of, that I would receive from the work. However, after creating a rubric and seeing the students’ work, I now have data that is much richer and goes well beyond basic comprehension. I was impressed with the level of student engagement and quality of the work submitted. I believe that this activity was not only a refreshing change from standard assessments, but also a creative way for each student to showcase what he or she knew. It is evident by the work that the students were able to empathize with the character, comprehend the novel content, and connect with the literature in a deeper way. I am grateful to be teaching a group of students who are willing to think outside the box! I look forward to using thinking routines as means of assessment in the future.