Last week I was involved in data team meetings to analyze our recent assessments and make any necessary changes to our intervention groups. For some of my groups there was just a change in the focus of instruction, but for some the make-up of the groups changed - new dynamics and personalities to deal with. So yesterday was a renewal, so to speak. My second grade group had some new members, so I started out the session with a discussion about what they felt was difficult for them as readers. They had no trouble pinpointing their areas of difficulty, and they were right on target for the focus of our instruction.
After the session I reflected on how it went (keeping up with my One Little Word!), and it suddenly dawned on me that I had focused on something negative. When I look at running records or pieces of writing I always try to think about what the child CAN do. Yet, in my discussion with these second graders I somehow missed the mark. I was reminded of the importance of the words we use when we question, nudge, and guide students as Peter Johnston reminds us in Choice Words.
So, today when I met with my second graders I asked them what they do WELL as readers. I was surprised that they had a difficult time with this. These young readers have learned and can use a great deal of wonderful skills, yet they had a hard time thinking about themselves as good at anything involving reading. So we started a chart and listed all the wonderful things they already know and can do in reading and writing. We will add to it, and I hope it is something all my groups K-5 can add to. I want my students to understand their accomplishments as well as their needs - to truly understand themselves as readers and writers.
I love when my students teach me a lesson!!
After the session I reflected on how it went (keeping up with my One Little Word!), and it suddenly dawned on me that I had focused on something negative. When I look at running records or pieces of writing I always try to think about what the child CAN do. Yet, in my discussion with these second graders I somehow missed the mark. I was reminded of the importance of the words we use when we question, nudge, and guide students as Peter Johnston reminds us in Choice Words.
So, today when I met with my second graders I asked them what they do WELL as readers. I was surprised that they had a difficult time with this. These young readers have learned and can use a great deal of wonderful skills, yet they had a hard time thinking about themselves as good at anything involving reading. So we started a chart and listed all the wonderful things they already know and can do in reading and writing. We will add to it, and I hope it is something all my groups K-5 can add to. I want my students to understand their accomplishments as well as their needs - to truly understand themselves as readers and writers.
I love when my students teach me a lesson!!
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