One Right Answer

Growing up, there was always just one right answer in school. I had to know that one right answer, but that isn’t how I teach. Sometimes there is one right answer, 2+2 is always 4. However, sometimes there can be more than one right answer, if you can defend your answer with evidence. This especially applies in reading.

For a week and a half, we focused on fables in reading. We taught students the characteristics, practiced sequencing events, and modeled inferring morals. When we got to inferring morals, we found that students didn’t always get the same message we did out of them. Students saw a different message and were often able to support their opinion with evidence. It made sense.

We not only tell them there can be more than one answer, but we also encourage the idea. Students have learned that they should share their ideas, but they need support. This became clear when I was grading summative assessments this weekend.

This is a great answer…