In fifth grade we started with a Langston Hughes poem:
Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly,
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams go,
Life is a barren field,
Frozen with snow.
Before the 5th graders came to class, they studied a wordle that included the words from the poem and had to consider the meaning behind the words. They created a presentation to share their interpretations. From there, the kids had a chance to look at the actual poem and break it apart.
This week the kids spent time researching Langston Hughes to learn about the events and experiences in his life that impacted who he became. Following our research. I gave the kids a quote by Les Brown, “If you take responsibility for yourself, you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams.” We considered how this quote could connect to Hughes and his poem.
Next up: SOCRATIC SMACKDOWN! This was our first time and it was awesome. We have a great deal of improvements to make, but for our first one I was quite impressed.
I gave the kids another Langston Hughes’ poem: What Happens to a Dream Deferred? The 5th graders had time to study and break the poem down. They focused on literary devices Hughes’ used, the tone and message of the poem, the imagery, and how it all served to impact the reader. After preparing the kids formed two circles, an inner and outer circle. The inner circle were the first to participate in a Socratic dialogue for 6 minutes, while the outer circle scored and took notes on the inner circle. Then we switched roles. The goal of the Socratic Smackdown is to learn to dive into a piece of text with true depth and complexity. We aren’t there yet, but with practice I am excited to see how we improve.
After participating in the Socratic Smackdown, the 5th graders went back to their desks to reflect on the poem. They chose between two possbilities to share their thinking.
Hands On Equations Through the Lens of Depth and Complexity: One of the things that I love about my job is that while I get the pleasure of keeping many of my students year to year, I also get an influx of new kids. The additions to each grade level serve to change the dynamics and also keep things fresh. With HOE being taught in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, I always need to catch up the new students while the other students are reviewing the concepts. This year I had the 5th graders (that have been in the GT program) do a project showing HOE through the depth and complexity icons. HOE, is a precursor to algebra. One group finished their project. Enjoy their Game Show!