"Do not let your students down. The data are stunning: we expect very little form poverty-stricken students in financially strapped schools. Children in these classrooms must have meaning-oriented instruction in order to succeed at high levels." Routman stated this in one of her last paragraphs of this chapter. This statement truly hits home for the class that I teach. I believe each of my students are just as great and capable as the wealthiest student in Spartanburg. Before I began this chapter I thought it would be a little different, but while reading I realized that it was focused more on a specific model of teaching reading/writing. The thing that I loved most throughout this chapter was how Routman stresses the importance in believing in our students and holding them to a higher standard. I want my kids to know that I believe in them and that they are awesome!
I liked that in this chapter Routman gave expectations for students to monitor their selves, Sometimes I need to take a step back and ask myself questions. An important question to me that I always need to ask myself is, "How is my instruction helping students become independent readers, writers, and thinkers?" I believe that if I don't question myself then I am not making appropriate accommodations as a reflective teacher.
In the beginning of this chapter, Routman briefly touched on time management. Time management is essential to successful teaching. I have become a firm believer in setting timers for myself to make sure that I don't spend too much time on one subject and not enough on another. Another thing that I agree with that Routman wrote was that reading and writing are taught as one. I firmly believe that they go hand in hand. Without one, it's hard to complete the other!
Although, this chapter isn't what I expected it was a great read! :)
It is so funny because in many of the blogs, this chapter is not what the readers expected! :-) I usually equate urgency with stress and pressure, but I love how Routman re-focuses us on high expectations and appropriate challenges for all of our students. Your critical reflection on your role in developing students' independence as readers, writers, AND thinkers is refreshing.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI loved your question, "How is my instruction helping students become independent readers, writers, and thinkers?" This question is essential to helping us reflect on our classroom practice in order to ensure that everything we are doing is helping our students grow as independent readers and writers and I believe this is Routman's point in encouraging us to teach with a sense of urgency. We must maximize our time not with a rush-ridden anxiety but a sense of intentional purpose. Thanks, Dawn