As I drop in on the above conversation and listen closely, I am a little dismayed on how the conversation is focused on the literal and not moving towards a higher level. As you can see in the picture all the "tools" are in place now we need to focus on the conversations. I have to admit I am stuck with moving conversations forward this year. We created an anchor chart for sentences starters to help students lift the level of conversations. I have used modeling in my mini lessons, and I have tried the "fishbowl" with conversations. Several students want to meet my expectations and "check" the teacher boxes. I wonder if I have structured too much? Is that possible?
We are getting ready to begin our first round of book clubs. We are starting with picture books, and my students are going to be given guidelines but not check off lists. I have really modified how I introduced clubs this year because I believe this group is too dependent on me. I am leaving doors more open and scaffolding that is not as rigid. I am taking my own advice that I have given out so many times. Allow my students this year to lead the lessons or in this case change the lessons. My goal is more interdependence and less dependence on me.
Last Friday, I was at a full day PD on Common Core. The presenter asked a question that really opened my eyes and made me pause. "Who is thinking harder in your class this year? You or your students?" I know my answer and at this point in the year, there needs to be a shift.
The start of good things in our classrooms is when we stop and ask such questions. Now you are ready to make the shifts necessary to change what needs to be changed in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteSchool is so busy. I am so thankful that I just dropped in and listened I constantly want to teach or correct. Thank you for your comment and that is why I love blogging. My reflection time comes while writing my posts and now the really hard thinking for me begins-the shift.
DeleteI think maybe give it time.
ReplyDeleteI need to write a whole blog post on the look on the kid's face when I walked away from him without helping him yesterday in math. He was so mad at me...but ten minutes later, when he figured it out on his own, his face was absolutely radiant! We talked about how he wouldn't have had that feeling of success and power if I had helped him right away.
Thank you Mary Lee for your advice. I often forget we are only 10 weeks into our journey as fifth graders. Also the "time" to allow students to do their own thinking as in your example.
DeleteI love the idea of starting Book Clubs with a picture book. I will have to give it a try. I do Guided Reading groups with my 5th graders until after Christmas. It then depends on the group of kids when we switch to Book Clubs. I have found that this year I am giving over leadership of the discussion as we get further into books. Thanks for another idea.
ReplyDelete