Tuesday, July 12, 2016

DIY Literacy: Chapters 3 & 4

The conversations from week one have been amazing. I am so thankful for the opportunity to connect with so many smart educators.  The idea of all of us reading one book and learning together is such a smart lesson that I am already thinking about as a teacher. Some times the best learners are not always in front of you.  Expanding students' voice is so important and as I think about Chapters 3 and 4, I am focused on how I can accomplish that goal when I return back to school. 

Chapter 3: I had an AMEN! moment as I read p. 37  about sitting on your couch with a pile of notebooks and a feeling of dejection. I wish I could say that feeling goes away but it doesn't even after teaching 28 years. When I reflect on the layers of learning my students do each day and how I weave in "brain breaks" and tried to diversify activities so they are constantly moving/talking/sharing. I am going to add the idea from p. 42 "During the end of class, ask students to talk...which strategy they used during class ..."  I am excited to change the closing few moments of each class. 

Chapter 4:  Rigor has almost became a new buzz word lately.  The definition seems to ebb and flow in my opinion.  As I read p. 55 "We create a learning climate where students see the steps needed to tackle the tasks in front of them...."  I am thinking about micro-progressions and how I want to work with my fifth graders to create them.  Thinking about the different levels of learning and allowing every student an entry point.  I am excited for my AMEN moments and having my students more actively involved in their learning.  

A huge thanks for all the comments and conversations.  I am always thankful for my PLN and the opportunity to learn side by side.  Thanks to 

7 comments:

  1. I am glad you connected with page 42. Share time at the end of a workshop is truly where you will see the learning lift with your students. This can apply to every workshop you engage your students in. Sounds like you have some great ideas to share with your students this fall!

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    1. I am most excited about the end of workshop not just a share time but what are you going to try that we discussed today. Both of these changes together I think will change the dynamics in our room.

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  2. I had that same AMEN moment. In fact, this book is filled with a multitude of those moments. I'm thinking about those 5th graders too. So good to read you reflections.

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    1. I agree I just didn't think I could write all AMEN moments but I have had several.

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  3. (cross-posted in Google + since I'm way behind in posting!) YES about rigor! Such an overused, confusing, abused (rigor is not equivalent to "hard," ed reformers!) word ... I also see so much power in the micro-progressions to make rigor kid-centered. Specific to our district, the micro-progression tool goes beautifully with self-assessment, goal setting, and differentiation, right?
    Speaking of other nicely-layered learning, your idea to tweak the closing of class also resonated with me. I imagine the charts and micro-progressions would be fabulous tools for that reflection portion of workshop.
    Connections, connections, as always! Thanks for pushing my thinking, friend!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It always helps me when there is feedback for my thinking. Our students need to be pushed but at different levels and I believe microprogressions and bookmarks for evaluation of their own learning is a perfect combo.

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  4. I love the little addition to the closing of your workshop -- the simple, yet brilliant ideas are the best, right?! Easy to implement and it will provide you and your students more opportunities to share learning and grow independence!

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