Brian Herbert, an American author, once wrote: "The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice." 
In our middle school classroom, I often find this to be true. So many bright minds at work. But, I would also add that the presence of choices nurtures the willingness to learn. Therefore, in middle school, choices frequently become the order of the day! First we gain the ability to create a successful outcome: the acquisition of many note-taking techniques, the framework of a story problem, the anatomy of an expository paragraph. Once many options for success are taught and mastered, then the students are giving the choice. They decide which version, which choice, works for them and makes them feel successful. For many, it is an individual endeavor. Some prefer to work in pairs. Working in a study group setting is a preference for others. In any case, the success is the individual student's. The willingness to learn is a result of the choice.
News & Notes
February 20: Presidents' Day/No School
February 23: End of Second Trimester
February 24: Report Card Writing Day/No School