The terms that I was least familiar with in the first three chapters of our text are:
- anecdotal record keeping: I am a person who makes a lot of lists, and they help me a lot to remember things and get things done. The anecdotal record keeping is something that I would want to use to keep lists and quick notes about what actually works in my classroom and details about the kids that will help me to get to know them, connect with them, and help them do their best.
- language experience approach: This is somewhat like a formal think aloud done by the student in order to progress through to the writing process in a structured way. This is good for those times when students say they cannot think of what to write or how to start writing. When they verbalize their relevant or seemingly irrelevant thoughts and share their experience, they are constructing the framework for their writing.
- morning message: I really like the idea of doing this because it's taking advantage of so many opportunities with just one experience in the classroom. And I cannot see students being inattentive when this is done right.
- think alouds: I have seen teachers do "think alouds" in their classrooms and I think it's great, but it is something that I will have to train myself to do in the classroom setting because I only do that once in a while with my own children. I realized not too long ago that my daughter (age 18) actually does the same thing when she's around friends or family.
Image source: https://sarahleipsic.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/think-aloud-poster-p228428676354741488trma-400.jpg
There is so much that happens within just 60 seconds in a classroom. And so much good can happen.
What are ways that you see yourself taking full advantage of this without being overwhelmed or spreading things too thin?
In my opinion, if I were to try and implement all of these into my teaching my first year it would be a nightmare and I would be overwhelmed. Some methods I think work into instruction a little easier, like the Daily 5 and the morning message. Some would be a lot harder for a new teacher to manage because they are still getting the hang of their classroom management skills, like anecdotal record keeping. I can definitely see myself using anecdotal record keeping in the future but, to avoid overwhelming myself, I think I would wait until my classroom management skills were more established.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the morning message. I think this would be a good way to help students learn how to write out the date as well as include some positive messages tucked in with what they are going to learn for the day.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the anecdotal record keeping, it allows you to document more than just their academic growth but also their personal growth. The cooperating teacher I had this last semester uses her anecdotal notes to justify the need for the reading recovery program but also explaining to parents the growth or lack of growth of the students. She can pull these as evidence.
ReplyDeleteFind those elements that really speak to you and do them with fidelity, and you will have tremendous success with them!
ReplyDelete