Residency- Barton Open School- 3 Hours 

The students had to present in small groups creative projects they made based on their outside reading material.  I remember them doing something this before.  Many students drew pictures based on their reading.  A couple of students made food based on their reading and shared the food with the class.  That was a lot of fun.  I always think it's beneficial when students have the chance to bring their own talents and interests into their assignments.  That way they can make something that's important to them and they're proud of.      

The students also prepared for a big class discussion based on The Pearl.  The question is whose "fault" it was the the Coyotitio, the baby, dies at the end of the book.  From what I could tell, the students were assigned which stance to take.  I'm on the fence over if I agree with this or not.  On one hand, I think that people should be allowed to express their true opinions.  On the other hand, sometimes taking a stance you don't agree with can be a good exercise in how to create an effective argument.