I think taking this course during my first experience with the Lucy Calkins units has been overall a huge learning experience. Even though I have been at times overwhelmed with the readings, they have been so beneficial in my understanding and development as a teacher in teaching these units. I think one the best aha's has been discovering the learning progressions and how to use those with students and their work. It has shown me who understands how to lift the level of their thinking using the progression and who needs assistance. It has also resulted in richer whole group and partner conversations. I found it really beneficial when we did the activity with the One Green Apple book and sorted our sticky notes into the progression. I have started doing this with my students, using the progressions Shelby and Merrin have created, and I can see a difference in their understanding.
What has changed has been my understanding of conferences. They do not need to be these extensive meetings where the student comes to you, but rather a brief check-in following the guidelines we have learned. I have found that in doing so, I am getting to more students during the week, have a better understanding of them as readers, and am starting to see a more positive experience when I meet with students. They want to be reading their books, so it's important to keep the conferences brief, but rich as well. That has been my biggest change in my teaching and understanding.
I do informal check ins with all my students. Some students are very brief, but I can tell they are on the right track. Other check ins do turn into more of a conference as needed.
ReplyDeleteI had the hardest time keeping student conferring brief enough to meet with more kids, but I noticed a similar change with them. By following some guidelines and tips, like approaching students with direct questions in mind, I’ve also been able to meet with more students and feel positive about the work they’re doing. I felt more on top of where they were in their work too!
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