#PhenomenalFriday: “It’s The Culture”
Tuesday, a new student entered my classroom.
My students: “Welcome To The Phenomenal Room.”
She immediately got to work…learning Verb Tense and pushing through the challenging Reading assignments that day.
Wednesday, I opened the day with what I’m calling the Gem of the Day: “Ball Is In Your Court.” To make the figure of speech real, I showed a clip of Jeremy Lin hitting a game-winning shot during the Linsanity craze. Then I told the kids that it’s on them. It’s on them to be responsible for their own success.
The message seemed to hit home–as the kids rocked their rough draft: a news report. Later in the day, they did a terrific job of Analyzing the Main Idea, too.
Thursday, I employed the idea given to me by Dr. Hardy. I chose one word–admire–and built the rigor through each station.
Station 1: Who do you admire?
Station 2: Why do people admire TikTokers?
Station 3: Should kids admire TikTokers and YouTubers? Why or Why not?
Station 3 created a good debate as two of my scholars faced off.
Yes Student: Yes people should admire them because you can learn stuff on TikTok.
No Student: No you shouldn’t admire them because it can distract you from what you’re doing.
The class voted for the Yes student but one of my other students shared a good response as to why she agreed with the No student: Some of that stuff on TikTok is inappropriate.
Friday, the kids closed out the week by writing their final draft of their News Report and doing well on their Word Power quiz.
They’re “Friday Dance Off” was well-earned for the hard work they’d put in. To end the week, I said: We’re what…
Kids: “Phenomenal!!!”
After they got done chanting, my new student: Yea, we are Phenomenal.
Of course they are.
It’s The Culture.
I leave you with two things.
1. What’s the culture of your workplace or school?
2. Is it a good one?
Be Phenomenal, Mr. Short
The Phenomenal Student 