ACTIVITY: Today all three participants (ALM, BCC & CAC) were given the task of extending a previous task by adding another directional change to their pathways activities. The students were asked to (with one ball drop) have the ball roll in one direction, the opposite direction, and lastly back in the initial direction. All three students were allowed to work together to achieve the goal set. Shortly after they began, ALM was called away to the office and did not return before the session ended. 
REFLECTIONS: BCC and CAC appeared to work well together; however, it was not long after they had begun that BCC became highly frustrated. She began to blow hard, mumble and was reluctant to answer my guiding questions. She felt overwhelmed and that the task was too difficult. I asked BCC and CAC about their final thoughts about their experiences and what they feel they are learning from these activities. CAC responded cheerfully, "You have to use a lot of knowledge." BCC grumbled about not having the materials needed to complete the task. I informed her that she was given what she needed to complete the task. I also assured her that I would never give them a task without the resources needed to complete the task. (The students were given pathways, blocks, balls, books, and toilet tissue and paper towel rolls.) After a few minutes, BCC and I discussed her feelings and she admitted that the task was harder than she imagined. She stated, "This activity requires a lot of thinking and use of knowledge." She became emotional and expressed dissatisfaction with her performance. It seems she felt she should have been able to do the task with ease and was rattled when this did not happen. Needless to say, the task was not completed.
SURPRISES: I cannot say that I was surprised by anything that occurred today. I was most intrigued by BCC's response to her performance. I think she had an awakening about efficacy and metacognitive abilities as they relate to her self-worth. I think this is a very clear illustration of how our teaching philosophies, approaches, and pedagogy affects children's LIVES!
NEXT STEPS: We will continue with today's task tomorrow. I plan to hover a little more and provide more guidance at shorter intervals.
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