https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y Please answer the following 3 questions. Use your initials before your answer. en-us 2017-06-19 13:31:28 UTC 2017-06-27 18:45:30 UTC hello@padlet.com stephanie_holtz https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y/wish/176861625 1. Do you value your students' interests and passions in the classroom? 

SH - Absolutely! Sometimes the interests and passions seem a bit "out there" and I wonder what connections can be made but I definitely value those interests and passions. 

JP- DUH!

KH- For sure. I, too, wonder about the connections that can be made to standards.

JW - Of course!

BB - Unless is it stupid....like my student this year who was really into gangs. Or fidget spinners.....stupid.....

RR - It's always interesting to learn about your students and their interests and passions. I love it when I can make connections to student interests and passions to help build relationships.

DL- YES, but I also agree with BB in that there is a line.]]> 2017-06-19 13:33:23 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y/wish/176861625 stephanie_holtz https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y/wish/176861813 2. Do you believe that every student deserves an opportunity to pursue his or her passion during school hours? 

SH - I do! I just read a great article on Middle Web - "Are You a Tour Guide Teacher or a Co-Explorer?". I think in order for us to allow the time for students to explore their passions, we need to be the Co-Explorer in the classroom. Enjoy the ride! 

JP- Yes! Total buy-in from kids when we give them the choice and opportunity to explore their own ideas. It was amazing how hard they worked.

KH- Sure, where it fits and makes sense. I think passion is important in education.

JW - Yes! I can see some students having difficulties with figuring out what their passions are. I like the interest bracket shown in the book.

BB- I feel like student who are passionate about non school appropriate things would find a way to take advantage....but it would still be a passion....

RR - Absolutely! I have always felt that student voice and choice is important and gets students engaged in their learning.

DL - Yes. Kids are going to WANT to learn about things they are passionate about. It will happen naturally instead of being forced onto some.]]> 2017-06-19 13:34:43 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y/wish/176861813 stephanie_holtz https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y/wish/176861954 3. Think about some of the students in your classroom. Do you know what they are interested in, what they are passionate about? 

SH - For the more vocal students and the students who are willing to share both verbally or in their writing - yes I do! However I know I don't know all 155 students passions. In this case you simply need to ask - exit ticket, sticky note, etc...
JP- When we started brainstorming passion project ideas, it really opened my eyes to my students interests. I knew many of the students interests just through conversations, but their passions really came out through the brainstorming, sharing, and idea brackets. Good conversation!

KH- It's always interesting and worthwhile getting to know your students. I can't say that I know the  interests and passions of ALL of my students. I definitely see the value in building relationships with students and getting to know them.

JW - I wish I could say that I do, but I know that I don't. I learn some things from students through some writing that I have them do the first couple of weeks of school, but there is a lot I don't know.

BB- I really feel the time between the lines is where the kids open up about what they really are passionate about. I bet if we all used our Sherlock powers and look at all the clues students drop, we would be able to accurately assess most of our students' interests.  

RR - I agree that it is very difficult to know what all 170 students' passions are... Making communication a priority with students could definitely help with that. I also loved the bracket idea!

DL - Some of the students I know, but that is because some openly talk about them or have talked with me. I like the idea brackets and using them to narrow down their project ideas.]]> 2017-06-19 13:35:34 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanie_holtz/h1mdf0x5la2y/wish/176861954