Hooray for the Slice of Life Challenge! This is year 4 for me – which is pretty tough to believe. I’m maybe a little proud of myself for sticking with it. Now…this is a year where life is a little…googly-eyed, shall we say. So, I’m not confident I’ll make it every day. I’ll sure give it a shot, though!
Today in class, I taught my fourth-graders about forced association: the act of putting together concepts or objects that have NO BUSINESS being connected.
Today’s prompt: How is a teacher like a fishing pole?
Usually, I get the standard array of blank stares and concrete responses (“ummm…they’re both kind of tall…?”).
Not this year. This year, the kids walked in ready for abstract. They came in ready to conquer CLEVER. And they did not disappoint. I’ll let their work speak for itself.
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
I love it!! I had to find out the answer and the answers did not disappoint! Thanks for the Slice.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! These responses are really something. You’ve got a sharp group here.
Yes indeedy. I sure do!
Well, obviously you can keep up with the challenge this year because your brilliant students will write your posts! ha ha, just kidding, but what a gem this was. And one of those good teaching moments to capture to remind yourself when it’s not going so well (they’re not taking the bait!) Also, I noticed how other years haven’t had such a good response to this lesson in the past- isnt it interesting how different, different groups/years can be?
Ha! I’ll just have them guest post and call myself “efficient.” =))
You know, you’re right, Fran. It’s funny – I teach this lesson each year, and sometimes it’s great. Sometimes it isn’t. Guess that extends that ol’ fishing metaphor, with all that patience and whatnot. I even did this same lesson with my students at my other school. Also had some pretty snappy ideas (though they weren’t caught on the whiteboard).
Wow! These are amazing! I love this idea. I hope you write every day because I love reading your blog!
Thanks, Ona! I’m going to do what I can. I’ll be stopping by your “place” when I can, too!
Omgosh I’m astounded!!!! And so impressed! I wanted to point out a favorite, but I kept reading and kept saying, “this one! Wait no, this one!” Ha ha. I can’t wait to keep reading your (their???) slices! Thank you for this post!
Britt! It’s so good to “see” you again. Oh, how I’ve missed you! And…yes. I’m as astounded and impressed as you are. Surprised? Not a lick. And my guess is that my students’ insight and wisdom will continue to play a role throughout my blogging.
Lainie, let your students know they knocked this out! Or fished it out. Their responses are clever and I enjoyed your commentary throughout. I know I wouldn’t have gone in this direction since my brain immediately went to the Dr. Seuss style fishing pole with the goved hand at the end I envisioned I’d once rig up to use at school assemblies. Your students are lucky to have you!
I totally will! I’ll have to show all these comments to my kiddos. Not only will they feel famous, but they’ll (hopefully) realize how great it is to share and talk about our writing together online.
And now I keep picturing that Seuss-ish fishing pole. While we’re on it, maybe I’ll consider something in Rube Goldberg territory. Wouldn’t THAT be some fun!?
That was so much fun! Such impressive responses!
Aspirational! Wow! This group of thinkers embrace the abstract. Thanks for sharing! I’m looking forward to following the Classroom Challenge on padlet. Whew! My students will be thrilled to follow these writers.
Thanks! I’m excited for the Classroom Challenge as well, but I have to admit that for me, it’s equal parts exciting and scary…
Conquering clever, indeed!!! Tell your students I’m hooked and can’t wait to read more of their comparisons. And thank you for this warm up.
Thanks! And…hahaha….you’re hooked! I see what you did there, Ms. Chiu =))
Never cease to be fascinated by what comes out of the mouths of children…!!
Exactly! Quite honestly, they amaze and inspire me more often than not…