Mrs. Dahlin's 2nd Grade - 1st Visit

Mrs. Dahlin’s students are gathered on the carpet, backs to the door.  She is in front of them, setting the stage for today’s “field trip” around the school.  They have been thinking about the reasons author’s write.  They have read a story about someone who does a lot of complaining.  They have heard their teacher say that writing can help to change the world!

“Today,” she tells them, “we will be starting to think about the kind of things that we might like to change about our school, if we could.  We’re going to make a list of these things.  Then in the days ahead, we’re going to do some writing to see if we can convince or persuade others to help to make these changes.”

 “We’re going to take a walk around and stop in some of  the familiar places in our school.  And when we do, I want you think about if there is anything about that place, or what happens there, that you’d like to change.  If there is, write it on a list on your clipboard.”   She arms them with clipboards and pencils, and off they go!

Now, I can tell you what they next; how they walked to the lockers, the gym, the cafeteria, the music room, the “big kids” hallway, the playground entrance, and so on.  I can describe to you how quiet and orderly they were. 

But, I cannot do justice to telling you how serious they took this work.  I cannot adequately explain the solemn looks on their faces as they toured our school, contemplating each place, recalling their experiences there and writing their notes about what they might wish to change in each of those places. 

Physically going to these places, standing there, taking a moment in the silence to conjure up memories of past experiences with these children was amazingly powerful and moving.  Nobody talked, except Mrs. Dahlin, who gave clean, simple, and quiet prompts at each stop.  Nobody acted out or acted silly.  These kids had clearly gotten the message, “This is the first step, to figuring how to change the things you don’t like around here.”  

Back in the classroom, Mrs. Dahlin compiles a class list, from examples shared by the students.  She listens carefully, and records their ideas with continued respect and honor for their thinking about “what needs to change around here”.  Then she wraps up by having them close their eyes to vote on the one they would most like to start with tomorrow, when they begin by writing a class letter as an example.  They choose to write about MORE SLEDS for the playground.  The stage is set.

I have been mesmerized by watching this process.  This young teacher has skillfully planted the seeds.  These young children are about to experience how to harness the power of writing to make the world a better place!