Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

February 19, 2019

Working to keep routines #SOL19

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Two Writing Teachers
We have had our share of crazy winter weather in 2019.  I expected snow days, but we've had three (unprecedented) late start days to deal with ice storms.  This is four-day week may turn into a three-days-and-a-late-start.  There's a full moon tonight.  State testing is scheduled for mid-March. 
Some Most All teachers are stressed.

I know I can't wave a magic wand (I used to have one!) and make my developing readers have amazing stamina, instant book love and grade-level text understanding.  I do think I can help my readers improve, day by day, by keeping our routines in place:

  • Checking in with each other (What's new?  How are you feeling?  I like your new shoes/shirt/haircut.)
  • Previewing vocabulary, text and photos (What do you notice? What questions do you have?)
  • Reading (Read that part to me.  Read these sections to yourself.)
  • Thinking & Discussion (What are you thinking?  What evidence can you find?)
  • Writing (Summarize your learning.  What was the theme?)
  • Wrap up (Choose a stopping point. Plan for tomorrow.)
We try to follow our routine every day, even if some steps are short.  I work to ask deeper questions during our discussions, but I try to push my students to lead the talks.  Some days are better than others.

I hope spring will be here soon.  I know I'm not alone.  This winter has been a roller coaster!

1 comment:

  1. Yes indeed. I just told a friend, we can’t afford to miss another day! But she made a good point, we take a hit on our attendance if we aren’t off and parents keep the kids home anyway. All will be well!

    ReplyDelete