Kim Anderson- Blog Post 1- The Habit of Kidwatching

While reading the article "The Habit of Kidwatching" I noticed there were several parts that are already a part of my classroom reading expectations for myself this year. I believe that looking deeply into fewer interactions will supply you with more accurate information that will allow you make better choices that will direct your curriculum. More is not always better! Often times the more you evaluate students, the less viable the information becomes. Direct and deliberate observations can provide precise information that can drive instruction and allow you to discover the strengths and weakness of your students. This information will allow not only you but students to refine learning and instruction. "Kidwatching" allows teachers to gauge student understanding as well as give the student information that will help determine what the student needs to focus on the most.  Independent reading is imperative in "Kidwatching".  Allowing students to read will give you the opportunity to evaluate understanding. During this time you can pose several questions to the student such as "What do you do when you come to a word that you do not understand, or "Why did you choose this book?" It will also allow you to discover which student requires what interventions if any. Listening to a recording of themselves reading allows the student to pinpoint what they do well and what they may need to work on. I believe that listening to our students read carefully, watching closely, and questioning will allow us to give our students what they need to ensure that they are successful.