Today was a big day for students: we had our first Socratic Seminar, which is a discussion format that allows for a lot of relaxed flexibility in a very formal setting. We will be using Socratic Seminars extensively this year as we discuss character development, academic success, and the elements of leadership.

Our discussion topic was the main character's decision in "Thank You, Ma'am" to help her antagonist rather than punish him. Why did she do it? Students came up with some very compelling reasons, and while I'm not an English teacher (anymore) and not as concerned with this, they often gave strong evidence from the text to support their reasoning. As I told them, I can't remember a more successful first-time try of the Socratic Seminar.