Reflections
In a Pringles Can

During the first week of school, teacher Rosalie Roy and her students spend a lot of time getting to know one another. One of her favorite activities is this Time Capsule Activity.

We talk about our ideas of what sixth grade is supposed to be like, what we want to learn, and what our goals are, explained Roy. Then she asks students to write about their expectations and goals for the year. She places their essays in a potato chip can and files them away.

MONTHS LATER
Near the end of the school year, to build anticipation and interest, she puts the can in full view of the class. Finally, on the last day of school, the can is opened and students rediscover their writings. They talk about their original goals and about whether those goals were achieved. Students put their individual letters inside their report cards to share with their families.

"I am always impressed with how close many of my students come to fulfilling their goals," Roy told Education World. "They grow so much as sixth graders, academically and socially. There always are a few surprises, of course, usually from those who had not expected to learn much but had succeeded far beyond their expectations.

Source: Rosalie Roy

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09/14/2010