Mar 2

Mar 2 Slice of Life: Day 2 - Creating Text Sets Using Snowboard Scoring #SOL22 #TWTBlog

I adjust my microphone so it doesn’t project my voice across the classroom as I join the group of readers in the classroom library. They are deep in conversation as they sort books debating each title. I listen, trying to make sense of what is going on. After five minutes I need a lifeline.

I have been listening to your conversation and I am fascinated. Am I understanding that you are trying to create text sets that are sketchy?

That’s right.

And Touch Grab and Edge Change.

Yeah – it’s tough. I think they could all be about characters.

I think only Sketchy should be for characters and Touch Grab and Edge Change should describe the plot …

Or mood – it could describe the mood.

That’s true.

It’s clear they are headed back to work and I am still trying to make sense of what sounds very intriguing.

Hold it – I’m confused. What do you mean by Sketchy, Touch Grab, and Edge Change?

Do you watch the Olympics?

Yes.

It’s snowboard scoring. After the jump …

I am listening to the explanation as another group member opens his computer to show me what they are talking about:

Sketchy = The rider is sketchy, meaning he or she was unbalanced when releasing the trick. Touch Grab = The grab is too fast; the rider isn't able to hold the board. Edge Change = The rider lands on the false edge causing instability and change of direction after landing.

So, you are trying to create text sets to match these definitions?

Yeah.

That’s pretty cool. I need to think more about how that could work. I can see why you are thinking one might be better for characters and others for plot or mood. How would a character be “unbalanced when releasing a trick?” Do you have an idea in mind?

We were thinking it could be when a character is facing a hard decision or when the internal motivation is in conflict with the external motivation. You know when you don’t listen to your inner voice.

I think you are on to something. I’ll let you get back to your work. I can’t wait to hear which books you decided to include in these text sets.

Well, it won’t be today. We are each putting in books we have read and then we are all going to read each other’s to see what we all decide.

Sounds like you have a plan.

They get back to digging into their pile of books and I’m left thinking that anyone who is only focusing on learning loss and only viewing our children with a deficit lens belongs in the Sketchy Text Set. And of course, I now can’t read a book without thinking about these categories. What texts would you include? Come on, I know they have you thinking and hopefully smiling!