This fall my students created their own heart maps. We were inspired by the heart map we investigated on the cover of Georgia Heard's book: Awakening the Heart. The heart maps were one way for kids to express what they are interested in and share these interests. I modeled how to create the hearts by beginning with pencil sketching, outlining details and words with fine point colored markers and adding colored pencil for background colors ( I am no artist but slowing them down to pay attention to detail paid off). 
The hearts you see were works in progress but when finished, my students were dying to share them with each other. We spent some time doing this and found many connections and similarities in interests between students. Not only did these hearts help the students discover what they had in common but they were helpful for me. As I hung the hearts up for our first Family Night (an evening when families come to share in student learning by reading, playing a math game and sharing the student's published writing), I noted student interests and gathered some data about what my kids enjoy. This "data" has helped me choose new books for the classroom that I know kids will love. In the next few posts, I will share their interests and the books that I have either reserved or purchased that are helping to support their love for reading.
8 comments:
I love these!!!!!!! Next thing your kids will be using PIXIE to create another variation!
Andrea
PS: Flora and I are almost ready to launch our blog....
Powerful "data" that you can use to further your students' learning. "Data" that is purposeful, authentic, and user-friendly.
Georgia has a new book out that is just fabulous! I highly recommend it and think that you would love it too! A Place to Wonder, the cover is gorgeous! I love your hearts!
Ah, I just love Heart Maps. Maybe I will try later on in the year with kdg. Great job getting a closer look at your students and what engages them and their interest.
My students just finished these too. It was such a fun project! Maybe I will post a couple of pictures too.
My students are 6th and 7th graders, so it is fun to see how it is an activity that students of all levels can enjoy (and it is helpful for teachers regardless of the level).
These are just great! So much thought and care has gone into your students' work!
What a wonderful graphic way for kids to express what they value most!
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