Chapter Two: I Can Do It

This chapter is an excellent theme for any classroom! The real life examples, personal stories, and "celebration" incorporated into the learning process are valuable tools for every student. I like the section on ensuring all voices are being heard as the author describes a student who started reading during an interactive read aloud with a whisper and eventually, through making it a priority to have her involved in classroom conversations, her voice became louder and she was smiling too. In my classroom, I had a student who struggled with stuttering and when it was his turn to read aloud, I must admit, I always got a little nervous, but through his willingness to try, my encouragement, and the respect of his fellow students he would read his portion of the text with a smile. Writing for valued audiences and purposes seems to be a great way to get students passionate about writing and in turn learning the skills needed to compose a piece of writing. I thought the kickball rule story exhibited a very tangible way to have a classroom discussion, write down thoughts, and find a solution to the issue at hand. Celebrating and cheering students on motivates each individual in a mighty way -- they begin to believe in the Can Do It concept!