Introducing the 100-Day Writing Challenge to my 6th graders is always one of my favorite days of the school year. However, the day also brings a sliver of hesitation, simply because it's a toss-up whether the classroom response will be positive or not-so-positive.
It's been a tough year in 6th grade. There are a handful of students that I have had a difficult time engaging. On some days, those students can throw off an entire lesson. I understand it comes with the job of teaching. Each school year is different. Getting all students onboard for growth and learning happens at different points of the year. The years that it takes until March or April (like this year) are exhausting for me. It's not easy being all the energy in the room day after day.
On Wednesday, when I reviewed the parameters of the challenge, I was not faced with the pessimism I expected. Obviously, there was some hesitation, but when it came down to writing that day, 98% of the students found something to write about.
By the end of the lesson I was excited, not hesitant. I was excited to find out who would take on the monthly challenge and who would make it all the way to June 5 and write every day for 100 days. One thing I know for sure is on day one it could be anyone.
The possibilities are exciting, and there’s always at least one surprise finisher, right?
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