This chapter really spoke to me as it seems that the suggestions Regie made are the direction my school Chapin Elementary is headed. We have been doing a Regie Routman in Residence study this year which goes right along with this text. We as a staff have also looked at our school wide beliefs of teaching which was a HUGE task but a meaningful and eye opening one. We have even investigated the idea of creating and implementing Professional Learning communities within our school and have begun to look at how we can more effectively plan for instruction as grade level and leadership teams.
I agree with Regie that having common school wide beliefs that are shared as a WHOLE school and the idea of working effectively as a team are the core to any school and are essential to student success. I also think however, it is important as Regie states," Keep an open mind. Be willing to change your views when research and experience warrant it." We have to remember that as professionals, we are continuously growing and changing too.
I also enjoyed some of Regie's ideas on how to conserve time and energy as it seems we never have have enough time. I liked the idea of stopping when kids' energy is still high- which I admit I sometimes don't do but see now the benefit of this philosophy and will definitely be trying this. I also liked Regie's caution on the use of technology and agree that authentic materials such as books still have a place in our schools.
What were your thoughts?
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As I was reading this chapter, I was struck by a couple of things. The section on communicating with stakeholders brought home to me how important it is to explain up front what you are planning to teach, not just to the children, but to the parents as well. I thought of one specific instance of how I did this last year. I spent a lot of time collaborating with two other science teachers to prepare the science fair project packet, revising and editing our packet from previous years and even publishing it on the web. The results from this preparation showed in the quality of our students work. My students even created their own rubric for their science fair projects which put the burden on them and made them feel not only smart, but in control of their learning.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Regie about the significant role the principal plays in making a difference in the success of all students in our school. I too remember the time we took as a whole staff deciding what was important to us as a whole group and then looking at ways we could work towards our common goals. It was a lot of work but it certainly was an eye-opener and worth the time it took to do it.
Amy, when I read the part about communicating with the stakeholders, I began to make a list of things that I want to share with the parents on Curriculum night that will help make the year go more smoothly for me and for the parents and students. I hope that it pays off for me this year.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to remember to do what is beneficial for our children;whether it be tried and true practices that we know work or research based new ideas that have been proven to work. We need to keep an open mind and not get stuck in a rut, be willing to change if what you are doing is not working, and keep it real for the children. Sometimes we just have to say no when we know in our hearts it is not right for our children. Communication is key! Communicate with administration, teachers, parents, and children.
ReplyDeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteI agree-sometimes change is hard- but it is important. It is easy to get stuck in the "muck"- Keep it real for the children! You are right on it!
I really marked up this chapter (I might need to get a new highlighter). I thought I was already good at conserving time and energy, but there are so many more things I can do after reading that section. While I was reading Communicate with Stakeholders, I got really excited about the idea of getting the students to help write class newsletters. Can't wait to do this next year!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you! At the middle school we are not required to send home weekly newsletters, but last year for the first time, I put a lot of effort into weekly email blasts to parents. I attached assignments, rubrics, practice materials, etc. to the emails. I'll admit I did it out of desperation--last year my students asked a million questions and it became evident, once the phone calls started coming in, that the students weren't explaining the information on curriculum I gave to their parents. Even though I had gone over key points on Curriculum Night, and even though I make use of my district website AND think.com as a way to give students access to assignments at home, I still had many parents and students "out of the loop" of information. Quite frankly, I believe that the emails were easier to access than the effort required to actively GO to my webiste or LOG IN to think.com. As a result, very rarely did I have a student miss an assignment last year, and more importantly, most of them received help at home because of my LONG emails which explained my thinking and beliefs behind my methods.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you. It is very important to keep parents abreast of what is going on in your classroom/school. I have done weekly newsletters for several years now and my parents love it. Each year I have several parents comment on how informative and helpful they are. This is something I will definitely continue!
ReplyDelete"Conserve Time and Energy" (Ch.3) I think one thing teachers always agree on is that we feel like we don't have enough time to do/teach all of the things we want to. This section of the chapter reminded me to reflect on the question "how is what I am expecting students to do helping them become more proficient, confident, and independent as learners". As kindergarten teachers, my colleagues and I have really tried to examine what we are asking our students to do on a daily basis. We have gotten rid of the "cute-sy" activities (that went along with our units of study)and put in place more meaningful activities that challenge our students to think and become more independent. There is not enough time in the day to accomplish all that we want/need to do, therefore, activities that end with "cute" products and no real importance, are a definite waste of time- in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAs a special education teacher of mentally disabled students, I truly appreciate that Regie sees all students as capable of achieving at a higher level if they receive instruction that is responsive to their needs. Regie’s “I Can Do it!” attitude encourages teachers, schools, and educational programs to be structured to educate all students with high expectations in a caring and positive learning environment. To be effective we must have school wide professional conversations and collaboration by both general and special education teachers in order to deliver better instruction and increased learning potential.
ReplyDeleteI can definately go along with the idea that all students are capable of achieving their goals. I appreciate Regie's belief in starting her relationship with her students with a "clean slate." Having no preconceived notions gives each student a fair chance to learn and grow. Her positive attitude is certainly inspiring! I love her "I Can Do it!" perspective!
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