Saturday, August 3, 2013

Saturday Sayings: Proficient, Confident, and Independent



If I could follow Regie around for a day (sigh) I don't think I would see overlong assignments.  I imagine her keeping things pretty simple but very relevant.  I doubt she'd ask her kids to engage in lengthy activities that were more cute than highly educational.  I think she'd incorporate a lot of fun but very purposeful work into her instruction.  I can't imagine hearing her waste time with wordy and complex directions.  I believe she'd balance demonstrations and modeling as well as sharing the process together with her students before sending them off to try on their own.  Basically, I see Regie protecting her limited time by avoiding things that would not make her students more proficient, confident, and independent learners.  I need to ask myself if what I'm doing in my classroom each day achieves the same purpose.  Am I protecting the limited time I have for the benefit of my leaners?  In some ways I am and in others, not so much.  I've got some work to do.      


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22 comments:

  1. Love this quote! Words for us to remember as we enter this new school year.
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, yep a good reminder for this time of year huh?

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  2. I find myself questioning the value of everything I do with my students. I want to provide authentic learning tasks that really make my students think. I don't do a lot of "cute" activities.
    Connie Anderson:)
    Welcome To First Grade Room 5

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  3. Just what I needed! I have a goal this year to keep my lessons or directions, etc. short and simple. There have been times when I would take too long and look out at my kiddos' faces and know I was losing them... I want to do so much better this year!

    Crystal
    Teaching Little Miracles

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    1. Crystal, I hear ya. I know the look you're talking about too. :)

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  4. Wouldn't it be great to have Regie in your class for a day? That woman really has her head on straight. I love everything she writes!

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    1. Barb, it would be a dream come true! (Thanks for dropping by, even though you're taking some time off.)

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  5. I think independence is the most important thing we can do for kids!

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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  6. I adore Regie R. I could watch her videos for hours. Whenever I simplify a project or activity, I can see how much better it is for kids. We don't always need to teach five things at once. I think it's better to work on 75% of the material 100% correctly instead. I find some of the other stuff gets in there by osmosis anyway.

    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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    1. Kimberley, I've never seen her videos. I'd love to watch them for hours though! She knows how to pack a powerful punch but keep it simple and meaningful at the same time. Love. :)

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  7. Thank you for this. It is so important to reflect on these types of quotes before the year starts.
    Em

    Curious Firsties

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    1. Em, thank you for reading and commenting. The Regie Routmans of this world have lots to teach us. :)

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  8. This is such a great quote to reflect on. I've already reread several times. The first time I thought, "time was so precious." The second time I thought, "My goal is to make them independent learners. What do I do to accomplish that?" Then I thought, "How will I make sure that the things I am asking of my students will be the best to help them?" Thank you for this quote.

    Meghan
    Learning and Teaching for Life

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    1. Meghan, thanks for sharing the different thoughts you had while reading this. Wonderful thoughts!

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  9. What a well timed post! I like the reminder to be picky about what I spend time on...when it comes to getting my classroom ready. It can be so tempting to work on the cute, and run out of time for the quality.

    Laurie
    Chickadee Jubilee

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    1. Laurie, I like how you worded that. Cute vs. quality. It can definitely be tempting.

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  10. Dave Burgess in Teach Like A Pirate poses the question: Do you have lessons that you could sell tickets to/for? These two thoughts dovetail because who wants to buy tickets to something that's cute but has not substance. Authentic engagement ... always a timely topic. Thanks again for prompting reflection. I'm not familiar with Regie's work but she sounds awesome.

    Barbara

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    1. Barbara, I always enjoy the quotes you add to my posts. That's a great question from Burgess. I need to think on that one for a while.

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  11. Wow! What a great reminder. Its easy to get caught up in other things like "cute" and lose sight of the goal. Thanks,
    Maria
    First Grade Carousel

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    1. Maria, you're right. It's easy to get caught up.

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