From storyasking

[edit] 87304

I was scared. My first period class is usually my worst - most of my talkers - are in 1st period. It's week 7 of school - I've only done stories - very little PQA - we have been personalizing the stories - but they were always MY stories.

So today I did it. After reading Ben's book - I jumped in. I had them draw a picture of something they liked to do, a pet they had or wanted, and something that scared them.

OH MY! OH MY! I got to only 4 pets - one of which was a mix of unicorn, Godzilla, dog and devil who slept on Grandview street in our town, was bigger than a car, etc. I could have easily developed a story, but I stuck with the P and everyone listened. My classes only got better as the day goes by so I am totally a believer. I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me when I started, but by the time the bell rang - which was completely too fast - I felt comfortable & THE KIDS CAME THROUGH!!!! If anything I learned, it's that I did not have enough faith in the 'Listen for their cute answers.' I WASN'T LISTENING until today.

I even had one of my MOST difficult students say as she was leaving, "Can we talk about my pet tomorrow?" WHAT? SHE wants to talk with ME in SPANISH! I am AMAZED!!!

So, thank you, thank you, thank you for making me LISTEN, Ben. I am SO excited - in the clouds - literally!

For those of you who don't get the PQA, buy the book and do what it says. It works on the first day!

Angie San Angelo, TX