Sunday, July 3, 2016

DIY Literacy

Summer PD is my favorite time for personal learning. It's like Christmas when the book is announced. I have to admit that I pride myself on having it already in my TBR pile and this summer I did. Our district Grades 3-5 chose it as our summer read, so I am thrilled that I will be learning with both groups.  

Confession:  I watched all the videos before I even opened the book.  Love everyone of them and when I started reading I heard Kate and Maggie reading the book to me personally.  As I read chapters 1,2 and the Bonus several key phrases grabbed me, and I stopped to write them in my notebook.


  • We must first identify what the obstacle to getting the job done is exactly. p. 2
  • We are able to SHIFT CURRENTS in our teaching when we step back, reflect upon the root issue. p. 3
  • We hope they need us less, not more.  p. 3
  • The tools inspire the kids to work as hard as we are. p. 8
  • Every journey includes the need to solve problems. p. 11
I have been reflecting on how to shift ownership in my classroom. Wondering how my students can take more ownership in their learning. The first three sections felt like a counseling session that I didn't have to pay too much for.  I could hear both of them telling me, "We've been there."  there is power in knowing that you're not the only one questioning your practice.  

My lightbulb moment was with the first bullet.  I always jump right into the solution. I could list all the reasons why I do that but as a teacher we all know those reasons.  I am learning to slow down and becoming more of a diagnostician. Listening, observing, listening, observing more. Asking questions in conferences have helped me to try and assess the learning concern.  Last summer,  I learned the importance of the word "yet" I try to remember that as I can't find the best tool for the job. Now I have four new tools in my toolbox and I am ready to shift the currents in my classroom in August.  

Thanks to Cathy, Laura and Michelle for hosting this summer #cyberPD, I am excited to learn along with everyone.   


  • Week of July 3rd—Chapters 1- 2 & Bonus
  • Week of July 10th—Chapters 3-4
  • Week of July 17—Chapters 5-6
  • Week of July 24—Final Twitter Chat


17 comments:

  1. This text is full of "grabbers", isn't it?! I haven't seen the videos yet, so that is next on my list! Is there a particular tool that speaks more to you?

    I am jealous that you have a district read! How lucky for you to have so many networks to discuss ideas with!

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  2. Right now I like the bookmark. Allowing students to make their own is key. For them to have a place to record their best strategy is important. I appreciate your comment it's always fun to learn along with others.

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    1. I'm with you on the "creating". When students "do" I think learning sticks so much more!

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    2. I've worked so hard on the "creating" I still need lots of progress on that area. Looking forward to learning with everyone.

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  3. Hi Maria, Lucky you to also discuss this book with your district and 'shift the currents in your classroom'. As a sailor, that phrase, "able to shift currents in our teaching" spoke to me. Hope we all will. Good idea to watch the videos first and hear their voices as you read. You are far ahead of me (I'm only on page 5) but I look forward to our conversations.

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    1. It's such a stronger experience when you can continue conversations into the school year.. I had some time to work ahead on the chapters I was so excited to begin reading.

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  4. I enjoyed reading your reflections. I will be moving from 5th to 3rd grade this year. Ensuring that I am providing a learning environment for my students to develop agency is going to be a huge focus for me. I worry that since I am moving down in grades, I am going to have to work hard to not step in at the slightest sign of struggle in my kids.

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    1. Switching grade levels is never easy. I always liked knowing what was ahead for my students in future grades. Agency is such a big concept right now I believe several teachers are thinking about it this summer. Looking forward to learning along with you.

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  5. Hey lady! I am so glad that we can share and collaborate on this book. I appreciate your thinking about the bookmark as a tool to explore more and fine tune for your classroom. I also was thinking a lot about that tool and how it could work in my room. I have quite a bit of thinking/reflecting to do as I process how to make a tool like this work with 130 students. I want the tool to be student-driven and a reflection piece so that students can see where they've come from and where they're going. Feel free to pass any thoughts my way:-)

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    1. I am always in awe of teachers that have many students. I like the bookmark as a cumulative idea. Students would go back into their notebooks and choose their best strategies. I would enjoy collaborating I always learned so much when GT and I had conversations. Love to make the fifth-MS connection.

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  6. The tools in the book are great additions to our toolboxes. I think the fact that they involve collaboration with students makes it even more powerful. I still have to watch the videos - they seem great. Listening and observing are so important. It's easy to forget to do those things when we're trying to fit in all that needs to be taught within a day, a unit, or a curriculum, but sometimes slowing down helps us to do better work.

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    1. You're right Lisa I'm always quick to jump when I feel like the time is running out. I believe these tools especially the demonstration notebook will help me slow down. On another post, it was a conversation about how to use students' work for the example. Love that idea.

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  7. I loved those videos, too, Maria - they helped to model the thinking process for me, and to show me what this type of on-the-spot visual teaching is all about. I love that you said this:I am learning to slow down and becoming more of a diagnostician. Listening, observing, listening, observing more.
    YES! That is so important, and also so hard to do, right?!

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    1. When I read Readers Front and Center that book really shifted my timing. Going into conferences with a opening for students to direct the conversation. LOVE the videos!!!

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  8. Hi, Maria,
    This line in your post (and the book) really grabbed my attention. "I am learning to slow down and becoming more of a diagnostician." It is hard to wait, to sit back and note, choose, and guide.

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    1. But every time I do wait I'm always impressed with the thinking. Most of the time not in the direction I was thinking.

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  9. Huh, never thought to watch the videos first. I thought it was "cheating"! But I love your take on it --after watching and hearing K & M's voices, I bet it was like they were reading to you! I also think it's amazing when you can learn together in multiple arenas! So many new angles of learning!

    I think one of the biggest take aways for me as well was the growth of independent learning! And trying to sit back and do more observing and listening! It's hard because we want to jump in and rescue, YET we know learning comes through a little struggle. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Maria!

    Michelle

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