Monday, November 30, 2015



Blog for December:   Routman:  Chapter 4:  Teach with a Sense of Urgency
Elda Hymas
      In order to help students become better readers:
o   demonstrate
o   provide a classroom library
o   give students time to choose and read
o   teach strategies
o   evaluate, give feedback and help set goals
The Optimal Learning Model (p.44) helps guide and support teachers and students.  (Dependent = how to do it; shared demonstration = children collaborate; guided practice = using and applying previous learning; and independent practice = do tasks with minimal assistance.)
            I have always told my students that it is their job to make me obsolete, give me a rest, etc.   That is why seeing the big picture is more important than the parts.  We can understand the whole picture by talking or sharing understanding.  Students can deepen their understanding through the 80 (reading) 20 (writing) approach. 
            I liked the laid out “Optimal Learning Model” and many checklist the author included.  In a ESOL my goal is to help students become the best learners they can be.

1 comment:

  1. Elda, I love your saying to students to make you obsolete. That's a great way to think about it. It's their job to take on their own learning. The optimal learning model is a great approach to doing just that. Teachers scaffold then allow students time to practice. During this practice, the teacher provides support where necessary.

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