Using Descriptive Feedback in Middle School

Middle school students have jumped right back in this semester with quick topic explorations through research.

Sixth Grade students chose a 19th century US President to learn about, and they were tasked with writing a half page on the person of their choice. This assignment required students to edit their findings and include only the key detail, and they understood the challenge! Upon completion, the group circled up in the classroom and each student received a sheet on which to write their feedback. After some modeling with a biography on Abraham Lincoln, students were ready to give each other specific feedback on their writing. In this practice, each person takes a few minutes to read aloud their work and then demonstrates humility to receive critiques (both kudos and areas to work on) from their peers. Early on in the exercise, students were using the information shared within the circle to edit their own works and to see how they can improve on their previous drafts.

Seventh Grade students are warming up with a quick research project on a famous American of their choice. They are also drafting a half page on their person and use that limited space to make a compelling argument for that person’s inclusion to the “hall of fame.” We’ll have a feedback session tomorrow!

Eighth Grade students did a quick research project and practiced sharing verbally in a concise manner. After some modeling of feedback, students felt more confident to jump in and critique each other honestly and supportively. From here, we’re exploring the expansion of the United States throughout the 19th century, specifically focusing on the theme of Manifest Destiny.

The Summit Preparatory School is a fully accredited, non-religious, private school offering a full-time seated independent education for students in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, and the greater Southwest Missouri area. Our preparatory school setting offers an enriching early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school curriculum in a supportive environment. We have state of the art facilities, highly-qualified teachers and staff, and a large range of educational programming. Interested in enrolling your child? Learn more about our admissions process.

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