Good Morning!
Do you agree? Can last minute decisions be the best? Well, Anne and I agree that a last minute decision we made this week was better than we ever expected.
If you've read our last couple of posts, you know that our students have been writing haiku poems and have been loving the process. Well, what you may not be aware of is that we only had one of our literacy groups write these poems. The other group was working on understanding words with the suffix -ful. Because of the enthusiasm and energy haiku writing inspired in the kids, we decided to have my literacy group teach Anne's literacy group how to write them.
When I told my half of our students that they would be teaching the others how to write this type of Japanese poem, they went wild. They were so excited to take the lead and teach. Anne and I were just there to support them, (and take a moment to enjoy the pride we felt for our students).
The task was not only to teach haiku writing, but the subject of the poem had to focus on the Amazon rain forest fires. We had just finished reading and annotating an article with both literacy groups about this current event, and haiku writing would be a fun way to reflect on what was learned. Below is a glimpse of what unfolded with one pair of students.
As you listen, you may be surprised when the "teacher" says, "It doesn't have to be good." She means that the first draft does not have to be good. We talk about capturing the idea in the moment, and making it sound more precise in the revision process. The students are learning that it's important not to lose their creative idea because they are trying to write the perfect line. That will come later.
Notice when Angel finally understands the haiku pattern. You can hear the awe in his voice.
We cannot wait to get back to writing these poems. When they are ready for public reading we will definitely post some of them.
Until then, have a wonderful rest of your week and try some haiku writing. It is so much fun!
Kim and Anne
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