Today I visited both 5th grade classes in their classrooms to talk about their research on individual game changers.
When Ms. D and Ms. R sent me students' topic choices, I was surprised to see so many familiar names on the list. A lot of the game changers on those lists are among some of the most important and are discussed and studied at school. These important game changers are familiar -- so I challenged my 5th grade friends to push beyond what was familiar to them.
I pointed out that the point of research is to find information to teach yourself things that you didn't already know. What is the point of researching someone you already know a lot about -- unless you need specific facts to back up your knowledge.
A few friends decided to take my challenge and borrow a book about someone that they didn't know much about. I can't wait to see the grade's final product!
When Ms. D and Ms. R sent me students' topic choices, I was surprised to see so many familiar names on the list. A lot of the game changers on those lists are among some of the most important and are discussed and studied at school. These important game changers are familiar -- so I challenged my 5th grade friends to push beyond what was familiar to them.
I pointed out that the point of research is to find information to teach yourself things that you didn't already know. What is the point of researching someone you already know a lot about -- unless you need specific facts to back up your knowledge.
A few friends decided to take my challenge and borrow a book about someone that they didn't know much about. I can't wait to see the grade's final product!