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Three's a Charm...



Charms indeed come in threes...

For the past 12 years my students have set a class goal for themselves beginning on the first day of school.  We call it our "Unsolicited Compliments Goal".  When I introduce this idea to my new 4th graders they understand the concept of a "compliment" but aren't quite sure what "unsolicited" means.  The pursuit of the meaning of "unsolicited" becomes our first official lesson of the school year.  In the end, they understand that "unsolicited" means that a request for something is not expressly made outright.

Following par for the course in their endeavor to reach the goal set for themselves, the "unsolicited compliments" always roll in comparatively "heavy" during the first weeks of school.  Kids naturally are on their best behaviors when school commences in the Fall; they are just figuring out their new environment; they like to put their best foot forward; and they know that first impressions are important.  

As the year rolls forward, gaining "unsolicited compliments" grows more difficult, more challenging.  Every year the class I have has outdone the class previous.  The goal increases slowly over the years.  Year one was 16 "unsolicited compliments"...this year their goal was 81...this week the kids reached their goal and surpassed it...they currently have 82!  I wonder what they will end up with come May 29th?

Watch out next year's 4th graders!

A second and third "charm" from this year is the performance of my students on their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Tests.  These test are administered three times per year (Fall, Winter, & Spring).  One indicator I look for is marked improvement in scores from one "season" to the next.  
This year was exceptional.

From Winter to Spring the class, as a whole, improved in BOTH Reading & Math by an average score of about 3 points!  Many students made tremendous gains which is a testament to their hard work and dedication.  If any student went down, it was only by a scant few points (negligible in my opinion).  Some students maintained their previous score as well.  All in all, I can, with high confidence, report that my students have demonstrated exactly what I intended them to demonstrate by this time...learning and application of concepts.

Three is a most definitely a charm:  
  1. Reaching Unsolicited Compliment Goal and surpassing it... 
  2. Whole Class Improvement in Reading by an average of 3.0 points...
  3. Whole Class Improvement in Math by an average of 3.2 points...
Well played 4th graders...well played!




Mr. Casten
(April 26, 2013)

Copyrighted material of MIchael C. Casten

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