"We need to get down to the essence of what we believe and what we do to ensure our students become excellent readers who choose to read" (p. 42). It is imperative as teachers that we teach with a sense of urgency and understand that every second with our students counts, and we need to make it count. We must have a plan of action when it comes to teaching our students literacy skills. There are a lot of demands that have been placed on us this year, but we need to keep the students in the forefront. They are our main focus. I really like the Optimal Learning Model provided on page 44 of the text. It helps one see the four phases of learning where students are given ownership over their learning. The teacher models for the students the "how to" and then encourages the children to participate while the modeling continues. Then students are allowed guided practice along with the teacher and independent practice on their own. The area that I need to improve upon is the shared demonstration phase. Oftentimes, I feel pressed for time and I skip this part where students are able to practice the skill I have taught. This phase is important because I am able to observe where students are in their ability with that particular skill and make adjustments as needed.
Routman provides a summary of reading and writing activities that would be great to use in the literacy block in Kindergarten. The suggestions given in the word solving section are great ideas for me to implement in the Word Work section of the Daily 5.
In conclusion, Routman challenges teachers to raise our expectations of our students. We need to introduce "students to complex and relevant texts and curriculum via high-level thinking, problem solving, and questioning. We need to support students in becoming more self-sustaining, thoughtful, independent readers and writers." (p. 42)
You're so right in your belief that regardless of how stressed we are with outside pressures, our priorities are the children in our classroom. It feels so easy to get bogged down in what comes our way but we need to focus on how our instruction is benefiting our students. I'm glad that you pointed out the Optimal Learning Model. I'm also guilty of speeding through the shared demonstration phase. I'd love to hear how it changes things for your kids when you focus on it during your class time!
ReplyDeleteI want to chose this chapter to read for one of my blogs. I was interested in hearing more about the Optimal Learning Model. I think I spend too much time modeling the skill instead of giving them time to read and practice the skill. I did try to use it today with cause and effect. We made an anchor chart, I modeled from a basic text, then they applied it by using a book of their choice. It actually went well, but I wonder if they are focusing on a skill while they read, are they really enjoying the book?
ReplyDeleteHi Mollie,
ReplyDeleteI love how you and your team work together to implement balanced literacy. Like you, Paula Ross also found the suggestions Routman provides for the word work helpful. Her Optimal Learning Model I found similar to the gradual release of responsibility model we learned about from our Daily Five book study where the teacher models then has the students practice, before trying it out in the balanced literacy groups, gradually building stamina. Thank you! Dawn