For the last couple of weeks the boys have been working on a book form and concrete poem to go inside.  I'm noticing that with the 5th grade boys, there is more concern for what the other boys around them are doing and what they might think.  This is clearly impacting their choices about which book form to use and which sport to focus on, as evidenced by the fact that most of the boys sitting together at a table are using the same book form.  I also see and hear them changing their minds about ideas they have after overhearing other boys talking about their work.  My instinct is that I would prefer them to feel confident about their own original ideas. It is not uncommon to see this need for more peer approval emerging around their age, but if sufficient self confidence and attachments to positive role models are not forged, their apprehension could become very stifling.

Next week my goal is to make sure certain boys are given the personal attention they need in order to avoid frustration and stay engaged.  I hope to encourage original ideas as I see and hear them emerging.