This week I asked each of my fifth graders to write their own graduation speech. We watched a few from Youtube, talked about important parts of a speech, brainstormed some possible themes, and, well, collected all of the tools a speechwriter might need. Since then it has been writing time.
I’m a bit surprised but also pleased by the enthusiasm. The students seem to be enjoying the idea of remembering and then summarizing their elementary school years. I told them that I would love to have a few of them read aloud at their last music concert which is coming up in about four weeks. All of them will be read aloud in class. I think it will be a lovely way to share feelings about the big move to middle school.
In the past, I have been the teacher who has been asked to “say a few words” about the graduating fifth graders. I never minded doing that, but at the same time wondered what the students would say if given the chance. I’ll admit it. I am really looking forward to this!