The Verdict is In

After closing arguments on the part of the prosecution and the defense, the trial of David was placed in the capable hands of the jury. Students on the jury learned about the important role juror’s play in a trial and how they had to make their decision based solely on the evidence presented in the case (i.e. not on whether they liked the defendant, were friends with him, etc.). With David sequestered away, the jury began their deliberations. Students spent a great deal of time discussing the evidence and David’s defense statements. Some argued that David’s defense was reasonable while others said he was making excuses for his own bad behavior. In the end, the jury voted 16-5 to convict David on all counts. After handing down the verdict, students entered the penalty phase of the trial. There, they came up with a point by point list of ways that David could turn his negative behavior towards more positive endeavors. For example, jurors suggested David buy a good alarm clock so he wouldn’t be tardy to school. They advised that he make a list of the clothes he wanted to wear at night, so he wouldn’t forget to put them on in the morning. And, they told him that he would have to wait until the sun came out to skateboard. No more skateboarding in the house. Upon receiving his penalty, David was released on the promise to make better future behavioral choices.

Based on our trial experience, tomorrow we will write a whole class story called, “YES, DAVID!” exploring the many things David could do to hear the word, “Yes,” from his parents and teachers instead of “No.” Each child will have the opportunity to come up with an idea and make an illustration for our book. After that, I’ll send it home with one student per night, so that the children can share their work with their families.

Next week we will read Good Boy, Fergus and find out that David Shannon has a real life dog not unlike the David character. Students will explore the similarities and differences in the four stories and will continue to make note of what they notice about David Shannon’s writing style.