Daily 5- Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Introduction

I can totally relate to the description of the first years of teaching
- that constant redirection of those few students
- the piles of center activities that kept the students busy
-the time spent changing out centers

Okay, that hasn't been me for a long time.  My workstation routines are fairly established and most years my kiddos move pretty independently through activities.
But the quote that really got me thinking was- "But did those things just keep our kids busy or were they engaged in literacy tasks that will make a difference in their literate lives?"

For me lately, I am always questioning my work station activities- is the activity linked to a common core standard, is this something meaningful for the students? I try really hard to do that- but still, in the back of my head, I sometimes feel like I am just keeping them busy while I meet with a small group.

That's why this "student driven management structure designed to fully engage students in reading and writing" appeals to me.

The cynical teacher in the back of my head questions how my kinders will stay engaged in a literacy block like the one described in Figure 1-4 on page 14.  Some of my kinders could barely stay focused on something for more than 5 minutes...

But I need to remember a point that keeps popping up in everything I am reading this summer- I need to let go of a little control and TRUST in the students more... trust that they will have that internal "locus of control", trust that they will be able to make the decisions they need to make about their literacy learning, trust that they are invested enough in the system to fully engage in reading and writing.

I am excited to be a part of this book study. I look forward to hearing your comments and I can't wait to read more!