Pam Puckett
November Routman Chapter 4
Time seems to be a common
complaint for teachers. In chapter four, Routman focuses on teaching
reading without wasting time. She says priorities should not be set in
stone since our thinking should always be evolving. In addition, the
needs of students are constantly changing. To building good readers,
there must be a flexibility in teaching. The Optimal Learning Model
begins with the discipline that students have bonded with their teacher.
I think this is most important in making reading an adventure for
students. Teachers who stay in the role of leader/dictator, prevent
students from bonding with them. Having that bond allows students to
trust their teacher for support and encouragement. If students look to
their teachers as mentors and facilitators, they become more engaged in the
process of reading and can find the act pleasurable, resulting in life-long
readers. Reflecting on my education, I never remember a teacher who took
an interest in me as a reader. I remember being made to read and answer
comprehension questions. I remember reading orally from whatever color
bird group I was in, but, I never remember selecting a book and discussing my
choice with a teacher. Teachers today must step into this role to
meet the needs of each and every student, leading them to become independent
readers.
Pam, you make an excellent point. Teachers must move out of thinking that they should be the ones talking at every point in the day. They need to realize that the shift in education is allowing students to become engaged with material instead of throwing more worksheets at them. The instruction that takes place in your room is an excellent example of student led learning. You provide them with the information and direction but allow them to take the reins in their interaction with the content.
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