Reading Groups

Have I told you about how much I love reading groups?  No?

I love reading groups.  A crazy amount.

It is all about witnessing the barely concealed glee when the kids learn who will be on their "team".  It is sneakily listening in as they debate a team name.  It is all about watching the true leaders who rally their peers and attempt to organize a group to function seamlessly.  These kids shine.  They are tasked with large challenges.  I deliberately offer limited instruction in the hope that they will be able to resolve issues and work outside of the box to achieve their goal.  And they do.  They achieve the task at hand in the way that only an 8 year old could:  creatively, bravely, uniquely.

The Blue Storm read about George Washington Carver

Mia, Teddy and Ben help to organize their informational poster.

The Superstars organize their poster about Bessie Coleman.

Gabe, Hannah and Sophia work on the final details about Helen Keller.

Amazing teamwork.

It is so cool to witness what kids can produce when they are tasked with a challenge.  It is equally cool to witness the reaction when they are told to complete a team assignment.  They are competitive but also so supportive of one another.  I learned so much about three historic figures, but I also learned new ways to collaborate, question, and discuss.  All thanks to a group of incredible eight year olds.