Gallery Walks, Stickers, and Post-It Notes!

One of the cornerstone beliefs in ASPIRE 5 is that our scholars have the ability to learn from each other.  During the first month of the new school year, we have provided many opportunities for them to gather information, synthesize it, and present it to others.  One of our favorite methods has become the gallery walk.

This week, one such opportunity arose when we studied alternative energy.  After exploring several recommended websites, the scholars were placed in groups, and given a series of ladder analysis questions, which requires them to start with lower-level thinking, and advance to higher-level thinking.  (See my earlier post on ladder analysis questions here.)  Scholars were required to make summaries, icons, generalizations, inferences, and predictions, among other tasks, on large posters.

Here is where the magic began.  Mrs. Fullhart and I gave each scholar ten stickers and a five Post-It notes.  We instructed them to place two stickers beside something that stood out to them, and to write one comment on a Post-It note for each poster.  After a silent gallery walk, scholars returned to their own poster to read the comments and look at the placement of the stickers.  

This was a successful activity in my opinion for several reasons.  First, the ASPIRE 5 scholars were able to learn about alternative energy in a way they may have not considered as they conducted their own research.  We constantly teach them about the importance of multiple perspectives, and this activity allows our scholars to learn about ideas that have been influenced by the wide variety of experiences of their peers.  Next, one of the intellectual traits we have focused on during the beginning of the year is intellectual humility.  It can be challenging sometimes to disagree with the viewpoints of others and maintain humility.  Leaving Post-It notes and comments that praise the work of their peers, or questions them in a safe way leads to more sensitive students and a climate of trust in our classroom.  In addition, the feedback left for students allowed them to consider changes they could make to improve future products, and gave them praise from their peers which can improve academic confidence and self-esteem.

Overall I believe the scholars enjoyed the experience, and learned more about alternative energy than if they had done the work on their own.  Collaboration and communication are major parts of the LEAD 2021 initiative, and this activity lends itself to the traits we are striving to instill in our graduates.  Thank you to all of the parents who provided Post-It notes for our classrooms this year.  This is just one example of how we use them on a regular basis, and it would not be possible without your help.  We truly appreciate your support!