As I read the article, I found myself relating to the
constant idea of keeping records. I can
recall a few years ago, when we were required to conference with each child at
least once a weekly. I really enjoyed
this time spent with my students. During
this time, I felt more aware of my student’s learning and their individual
needs. The new approach to kidwatching
will give me the chance to expand my understanding of teaching and
learning. This method will give me the
opportunity to reflect on my strategies used with the classroom. Kidwatching will help me with the evaluation of a student’s learning
and the planning of instruction.
I definately see the the parallels between this and the reading conferences that we used to keep. What I like more about this however is how it is less formal and doesn't feel as rigid as those did at times. With the kidwatching I like how the teacher has the freedom to record information based on what stands out to them as opposed to following a template.
ReplyDeleteYou both have good points. The conferences held us accountable for actually doing the kid watching. Even if we don't use the same template, it is still important that we take note of what students are doing during the school day.
ReplyDeleteHi Tacheria,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the connections you made to your experiences conducting reading conferences with your students a few years back. I, too find reading conferences helpful and appreciate the time I have with my students. I do want to find out what you thought about the author's points in this article. Which ones did you agree/disagree with? What suggestions did they give that you may want to try out? Any quotes that resonated with you? Thanks, Dawn Mitchell