Student-led EdCamp.....Part 2

So my friend, Knela, is the master of student-led EdCamp.  She inspired me to try it out with my 6th graders. I was so nervous, and I will admit, reluctant to turn them loose on this.

Our first EdCamp was held on the Friday before Thanksgiving Break. Students had about 15-20 minutes per day for about 7 days to prepare. Students were to pick a topic of interest to them and be prepared to share it with a group of peers. I wanted the presentation to be about 15 minutes long. I was not expecting much. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised!  Although we had lots of room for improvement, students were on task and interested in what their peers presented. A major win for my group!

As I often do, I presented students with a self-reflection to do after presentations. They were honest about how prepared they were and how they felt about other presentations. I decided to give it another go. 

We are in the process of preparing for EdCamp December Edition and the kids are so excited. It is the highlight of their day and I already see much better presentations being prepared. Topics are more interesting and interactive and students are really thinking about what would make an engaging presentation. I am really pleased and can't wait to see what they have ready for next week.

You know it is a winning activity when students are already planning their topics for EdCamp January Edition.....Thank you Knela for your guidance and untiring support and question answering!

Grateful for my 6th graders....

     Being back in the classroom has been both terrifying and joyful. After four years, I have forgotten so many tricks and my abilities to teach the "standards" need a little refresher course. Curriculum has changed, student need has changed, some of the "rules" have changed, but one thing that has not changed is how much I love being with students everyday. On the first day, the easy days, the short days, and yes, even on the hard days. I love going to school and greeting each one of them at the door. 
     Sixth graders are a unique breed, an exhausting and refreshing mix of independence and need, of sass and sweet, of love you and "omg, you are so not cool Ms. K.". Everyday I am amazed by them and I go to sleep and wake up thinking of ways that I can challenge, inspire, motivate and sometimes just control them! 
     They make me smile and laugh. They make me worry and drive me crazy. They tell me bad jokes and endless stories about their favorite football teams. They complain when they have to work with girls and blush when they have to work with boys. They enjoy reading and recess, but not picking up after themselves. 
     They make me grateful everyday that I have such a diverse and unique group of young people to spend time with! I am so happy to be back in the classroom and spending my days with 6th graders.