"Complacency will not get our students where they need to be" says Routman and is a statement that I can truly embrace. I know that it would be easier if we could use the same lesson plans year after year and hope that our students would learn. Sure, a few would learn, but would we be doing the right thing for our students. We have such a short time to teach them all of this wonderful knowledge that we have. One statement that really speaks to me is that we need to keep our expectations high. This is so true because if we give them a high expectation, most of the time, students will rise to meet it. While reading this chapter there were several checklist that were included to "ensure students become excellent readers". I really love the list that Routman has adjusted because this list fits easily into my teaching with Science and Math. The 4th point on the checklist says "Teach Strategies students need to know to process and understand text". I can check this off much easier now that we had our Coaching Cycle. It was wonderful to teach strategies which in turn has helped my students in Science.
Okay, so back to the meat of the chapter...as the chapter progresses, the section of Promote Joy in Learning, discusses putting the learning responsibility on the student. I find that this is so important. Once learning strategies are demonstrated, students need to experience Independence so that they realize their own capabilities. This will also help with their intrinsic motivation once they know that success can be their own.
No matter what subject you teach, the essentials mentioned in this chapter can be applied across all.
You are so right, Laura! Gradual release of responsibility is so important so that our student feel confident moving towards more independence. I am so glad your coaching cycle was meaningful and helpful to you and your students. Reading skills can be applied in every subject area and can help students be lifelong learners!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your complacency quote 100%. It is important that all of our students know we expect them to give their best and to grow and it is our job to meet them where they are and to provide them with the tools to get there. I loved reading about the impact your recent coaching cycle had on your students. Sincerely, Dawn