I think the image offered some challenge to my students, but they probably could have handled a bigger challenge. They seemed to have an explanation for most of the details in the image. I don't think they were stumped by anything. (That's not to say they were correct, but they seemed familiar with most of the details.) The challenge came from the time period. They knew it was different but they were not sure of how it was different.
My students pretty much figured out the narrative that Norman Rockwell painted. Some thought he was a runaway, some thought he was lost--but they got the gist of Rockwell's intent. Some of the period objects in the background such as the radio, pie case, and coffee maker seemed to intrigue them the most. Also, the policeman's uniform that was different than today's uniforms.
I had several opportunities to scaffold vocabulary during this discussion such as: uniform, knapsack, briefcase, pie case. And then, one of my students offered the word "diner" to describe the setting which was one word I was wondering if I would hear.
My biggest surprise (much to my dismay) was the student who had the comment about the knapsack looking like a "giant strawberry with a marshmallow"! I tried to handle it just like any comment but of course it brought lots of giggles from the rest of the class! How should I have handled it? I'd appreciate any suggestions!
I would use this image again because it does offer a good opportunity for storytelling and that's what this age student really likes to do.
Great alignment with Yenawine's image selection criteria! Sounds like the image was appropriate for your students, but may not have given some the challenge they may be ready for since you VTS with them often. As for the strawberry and marshmallow comment, I think I would have just neutralized it by saying, "So you're noticing that the nap sack reminds you of something good to eat. What more can we find?" Acknowledge it with as few words as possible and move on. The conversation will usually get back on track in pretty short order. Love it that one kiddo actually knew the word "diner." Very cool!!
ReplyDeletePeer Coaching Video C lesson #5
ReplyDeleteCindy
I really liked your introduction. You were clear in giving directions and covering the expectations and directions for the discussion. You seem very comfortable in your environment. I was impressed how all of the students came up to the image to talk about it with you. It seemed natural and helpful for them to come forward when they were speaking to the group. I observed that you are always consistent with asking the questions and asking for evidence if none was offered. You keep a neutral stance consistently and use hand gestures appropriately. I noticed that you are scaffolding language for example “knapsack or bundle” to describe the object on the floor with the stick. Your paraphrasing was good and you consistently used conditional language. It was fun to see lots of interest and that many students didn’t want to stop. Something I’ve forgotten to say, you said at the end, “Remember if you didn’t get a chance to share something, an idea with the group, remember you can share it with others, your classmates, and your family later when you have a chance to share. When a response got lots of giggles and was a little out there (the buddle looking like a big strawberry with a marshmallow) you kept the flow moving, by remembering to look to evidence and pointing out what he saw that could have given him that thought. You pointed out the appearance and color may have influenced his perception. I enjoyed seeing this image and think you made a good choice by using it for this class. It had many observable elements to discuss and had some ambiguity as to what the scene was about and what the relationship was between the figures.
Nice job, well done!