As I venture further into the year with my feedback-only approach, I am trying to find and refine better ways to deliver feedback to my kids. Having recently written feedback on my kids’ latest Learning Checks, which focused on identifying, stating, and supporting theme, I decided to give them a “key” to help explain some of my common comments.

Of course, I believe the ideal approach is always a conversation, but the “real” of the situation is that there’s just simply not enough time. So, until I can get around to them, I want them to know a bit more about what my comments mean as they attempt to complete their Response to Feedback (RTF) forms, completing the Learning Check (LC) process. Here’s the RTF we used for our latest LC.

I recognize that I could simplify and make more efficient the process with codes, etc. But part of me believes feedback has to have a bit of a human feel to it. Maybe I am being old-fashioned, but I feel the need to consider and speak to my audience (each kid) on the other side of my comments, which inevitably makes the process slower. But does it make it better? I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not? Part of the deal is I am not only helping them meet the standards but I am also helping them write their chapters for their Learning Stories, so I feel like I have to give them more “material” than codes to help them capture their journeys. I feel like codes are kind of a fast-food meal, and I want to give my kids some home-cooking every once in a while.

I imagine, as with most things, there’s a middle ground to be found between the efficient and the human, so I will keep seeking that sweet spot as I feed my hungry little humans along our journey this year.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…considering the “what, so what, now what” of our latest text.

…sharing our name histories.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.