Authentic Voices

I used mind mapping as a daily practice in my classroom with fifth-graders. I started the year by modeling the mapping together on the board and asking students to contribute ideas to what we’d learned at the end of each day. Eventually, students began creating more individualistic mind maps. This was a way for them to remember what they could communicate with family members who asked, “What did you learn today?”

This weekly homework planner can be used for students to jot assignments in math and reading. Students and families found this helpful in communicating what needed to be completed for upper elementary students. It gives them a sense of responsibility and independence.