Even though I love this quote, I've been avoiding it for several Saturdays because of its sensitive nature. It won't leave me alone though, so I'm forced to acknowledge the need to let it find its way into a Saturday Sayings. I promise not to dwell on it too long.
Whether worksheets are used by choice or are mandated, I worry that our young readers might associate reading with filling in the blank, multiple choice, etc. As Donalyn has so wisely expressed, worksheets are not able to connect readers to books. I'm afraid they might do quite the opposite. I simply don't believe a trail of worksheets will lead us to readers who have made a lasting and loving relationship with reading. Sigh.
After that uplifting post, you'll definitely want to visit my guests. Meghan, Jenny, and Kerri are joining me today with their own Saturday Sayings. I know they'll have some wonderfully thoughtful things to add to your day. Let's head on over!
Meghan
Jenny
I love the quote that you chose. It is very true. Children connect better with books than worksheets. They would rather do things by themselves than have to do them. I saw this with my little cousin (first grade) a few days ago. She brought home her homework and quickly did it saying that she loved the crossword puzzle and story, but she was so glad to be done and wanted nothing to do with it! She enjoyed the activities but did not enjoy having to do it, which made me think of past Saturday Sayings you wrote about freedom of book choice. Thank you for having me again!
ReplyDeleteLearning and Teaching for Life
Meghan, I wonder after years of sheets what her response will be. Year after year I bet it would get really old. Hopefully she and others will love reading in spite of some of the things she's also asked to do. Thank you for Meghan. I enjoy your company!
DeleteYay for this quote! Books and authentic reading purposes trumps worksheets for sure. :) Thank you for including it in your Saturday Sayings! Now I am off to visit the others who are joining in with you today.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I knew you would enjoy this quote. Yay for books and authenticity!
DeleteSo true! It's such a shame we are creating readers who read to find an answer rather than read to truly enjoy a story and its characters. I know our upper grade teachers really struggle with this-the kids basically don't read books anymore, just passages. Really sad. :(
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
Miss Trayers, that is very sad that we're creating readers who don't get it. What we really want are kids who fall in love with reading.
DeleteThank you for sharing this! It is so well stated!
ReplyDeleteHappy Teaching,
Laura
TIPS: Teach, Inspire, and Prepare Students
Laura, thank you much. I'm glad you think I said it okay.
DeleteI agree with all the above! I would add that as teachers we must plan activities that don't rely on worksheets. Our assessment of learning needs to be creative and engaging. When do use them, they need to be valuable tools for assessment.
ReplyDeleteYou were brave today Tammy!
LiteracyMinute
Sandi, thank you for your vote of confidence and additional thoughts. I always enjoy hearing what you think.
DeleteTrue confession: When I first started out, I used to pride myself on the fact that my students could get to heaven on a stack of my handouts ... is that pitiful or what? In my defense, that was in the late 80s and things have changed somewhat since then, so I love what Donalyn and you are saying today ... I can't say as any worksheet ever helped me connect with a child.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your Saturday sayings!
Barbara
Barbara, your comment makes me smile - get to heaven on a stack of my handouts. We're all on a journey of shaping our pedagogy. I'm confident in yours.
DeleteSo glad that I found your blog through Kerri's blog! What a great way to reflect and encourage other teachers. Sometimes we don't take enough time for that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKickin' it in Kindergarten
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, thank you for coming by. I'm glad you found me and my Saturday Sayings.
DeleteI love this quote. I avoid worksheets whenever possible. With all the research out their on how children learn best, I think schools should have contests on how few a teacher uses!! I can't say I never use them, but if we sing about it or eat it that seems to help them learn it better!! When it comes down to calling it "Reading Time" we should just do it!!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jenny, let's have a contest! I'm in. :)
DeleteWell you won't be surprised to hear that I agree with you, too :) We do the occasional worksheet, but mostly it's read and discuss.
ReplyDeleteGuess what? I finally started reading The Book Whisperer. I'm on page 52!!
❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Barbara, woohoo! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about it!
DeleteDonalyn Miller is my hero! Great post...glad you posted it...even if you wary of doing so. I don't remember a single worksheet I did in school, but I have a LONG list of books I fondly remember!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee
Laurie, I sure love Donalyn too. She says it like it is!
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