In my last post, I talked about the benefits of using a student author committee to help plan the author visits we have. Now it's time for the students' reflection of the event. On the day after the visit, I asked the crew three questions:
- How do you feel you did as a member of the author committee? What were your positive contributions?
- What was the best thing(s) about being on the author committee?
- What would you change for next time?
Question #1 responses always surprise me. It's always interesting to read what students feel their strengths are ... and what they overlook. It makes for a good conversation with them later.
Most of the comments under #3 were about missing recess. The only time I can meet with this group is at lunch, so one day a week they are asked to give up that lunch recess. Considering this is a big dilemma for third and fourth graders, I was proud of those who stayed with us the whole time. There were a lot of students dedicated to this committee. My favorite comment here was: "The only thing I would change is if it's warm and nice out, then we should schedule the meeting for a different day when it is not that nice out." Hmmm ... that could get tricky, but it's worth a try. 😁
My favorite answers came from the second question. Here are some of their thoughts:
- "I loved that I got to work with people that I normally don't. I also loved doing something different than recess and having something to get excited about."
- "It felt good and I loved being a part of something, even if it takes up my recess."
- "When I was in author committee, I felt sort of important and I got to work hard, which I like doing."
- "The best thing about being on the author committee was I got to do some of my favorite things (like reading and acting) to help promote the author visit."
- "I feel the best thing was getting to take a picture with Sarah Weeks and getting to decorate and make it look nice for her."
- "The best thing is getting to be in a group and having lots of fun."
These comments are exactly why I continue to let the students be a part of the planning for our author visits. The next time we have an author, these kids will be 5th and 6th graders with a great prior experience to build on. I can't wait to see what they come up with next time.
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