- For those who are interested in Responsive Classroom, but are not able to be properly trained right now, I suggest implementing Morning Meeting in some form in your classroom. The book by Roxann Kriete is a great resource. Be aware, you need to schedule in a protected time block of about 20 or so minutes for your meetings. To achieve the desired effect, you must make this a priority.
- I need to read The First Six Weeks of School again. It is easy to forget all of the little things I did (or should have done) this time last year. It is important to set the climate and tone for the entire school year in September.
- My students last year had some favorites for Morning Meeting greetings and group activities. They really enjoyed the "sign language" greeting and the games "Coseeki" and "Caught Red Handed". I need to remember to present a variety of greetings and activities this year and not assume that this year's students will favor the same ones.
- I've got to keep the 3 R's of Logical Consequences in mind. I need to be RESPECTFUL of the student by focusing on the behavior. The consequence should be RELEVANT by relating directly to the child's actions. Finally, the consequence needs be REALISTIC.
- I felt like our Morning Meetings last year had the pressure of "cutting into" our math time. My schedule was pretty tight last year in the morning. This year, due to the teaming schedule, I will be have our meeting in the afternoon. I wonder how this will affect things??
- I didn't do very well with Guided Discovery or Academic Choice last year. Why did those components fall apart for me? Perhaps I was taking on too much at once?
Monday, August 18, 2008
First RC Year Reflections by Deana
As I get ready for the new school year, I feel I should take some time out to reflect on my past year...
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2 comments:
Hi, Deana.
Your thoughtful comments on your Responsive Classroom practice bode well for the children you'll be teaching this year! I think your observation that perhaps you were taking on too much in trying to introduce both Guided Discovery and Academic Choice at once is spot on: The Responsive Classroom trainings definitely recommend going slowly, trying one practice (or part of a big practice, like Academic Choice) at a time, and moving on only when you and the children are comfortable with the new learning.
In Paula Denton's Book Learning Through Academic Choice, she says this (on page 8): "I encourage you to start slowly. Read a section of the book, try out a new idea or two, and then read some more."
As you know, the book starts with teaching children how to make and reflect on simple choices and only then moves on to a full Guided Discovery, which Paula refers to as "an essential part of Academic Choice" (page 31).
The message is to give yourself plenty of time to learn all the Responsive Classroom practices. Your students will benefit from each and every part of the approach that you implement, especially if you go slowly and carefully and enjoy the journey.
Have a wonderful school year!
Hi Deana...
Thanks for posting on my blog. I actually get The Responsive Classroom Newsletter & love it! Take care and do you mind if I link?
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