How coincidental coming upon this chapter was for me. I was just discussing with a colleague assessing the affective factors of our learners. Those qualitative pieces of a human being are indeed unique, as everyone is different in their own ways.

This year I have begun taking observational notes of each of my classes, in part to make sure I am connecting with each of my learners. This has also helped with planning lessons and activities for my diverse learners. I am extremely excited to incorporate my writer’s notebooks (reader response) to continue to get to know my learners. I have gotten to know them through their Essential Questions, as well as beginning the year with giving different types of surveys and inventories. It has been eye-opening for me, and has given me new perspectives of my learners.

This last week, I exercised my studies in differentiation and the power of choice. I allowed my learners to choose their final project for a story we read, to showcase their understandings. The kids have pleasantly surprised me! I am overwhelmed with how proud I am of them, and even more surprised at the new things I learned about them. Some of them I had no idea loved to draw/paint. Some are builders and showed some amazing work. I am overjoyed by these new affective findings! This will help me as I continue to create their units.

McKenna, M.C., & Stahl, K.A. (2015). Assessment for reading instruction: Solving problems in the teaching of literacy. (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.