reviewing the school year is vital to good teaching. our p.e. teacher directed lots of team building and adventure based counseling activities this year. one included reflecting on each person's special gifts, something each of us appreciated about each other person.

this student's summation of me: "a great artist and can help me understand things." i didn't bribe him. another student wrote "thanks for doing the journal things with me. i really enjoy it."
these two boys HATE reading and writing, but love making things. that's how i hooked them.

we make illuminated journals, writing daily and making art in them at least once weekly. i wondered if this practice was worth it. i surveyed them. the unanimous evaluation was positive, surprising me in their enthusiasm. (i knew they liked journaling a bit)