I almost feel guilty saying this, but I have my share of dusty teacher's manuals in my room. I'm just not a fan of programs. I don't want to give off the impression that they're all evil. I know they have some good to offer. I'm sure they provide especially new teachers with a vision and plan, which are both very important. I think Regie's basically saying though, "Don't get too comfortable." A program is simply a resource that should be in a continual state of adaptation.
The closest thing to a program that I embrace in my room is Lucy Calkins' Units of Study for Primary Writing. Do I teach it exactly like Lucy? Nope, and I know that's just what she would expect of me in order to meet the needs of my students. Modify, adapt, pick and choose, make it your own.
Regie also says, "...none of the exemplary teachers were tied to commercial materials. Exemplary teachers taught children, and typical teachers taught programs." (185)
I understand this is only one person's opinion, but she inspires me to be exemplary.
I love your Saturday Sayings! It gets my wheels turning- even on the weekend! :)
ReplyDelete-Julie
www.lightafire3.blogspot.com
Julie, that means a lot to me. I've had my doubts about Saturday Sayings. Thank you.
DeleteThat's some good food for thought. I cannot convince the people that I work with that our math series that we just adopted and hate is just a stepping stone. It doesn't have to rule everything we do. Luckily our principal is in agreement with that.
ReplyDeleteMs. Kerri, I have a principal like that too. How fortunate we are, huh? Thanks for coming by.
DeleteGreat reflective post! So important to look at the teacher's guides as resources. Who knows their students and their needs better than the teacher?
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, well said. Teacher's guides don't have a front row seat into the lives of our students like we do. Thanks for visiting like you always do.
DeleteThat's exactly what I needed to hear! Sometimes I worry that I'm not using a program exactly. the. way. it. is. written. My teaching evolves and changes every year. I use different aspects of a program to help my students learn the way that is best for them. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSara :)
Smiling In Second Grade
Sara, sounds like you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing. Keep it up and glad my post was helpful. :)
DeleteOh my gosh! I say this all the time! I think I will add a Saturday sayings to my blog and we can see how great minds think alike!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think?
Sandra, great minds do think alike! You can bet I'd love reading your Saturday Sayings too! As always, thanks for coming by and commenting.
DeleteLove some Regie! My Transitions book is tattered and torn, but I still love it!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Peace, Love, and First Grade
Laura, you too eh? I hang on every word Regie says. She makes so much sense to me. Glad you love her too.
DeleteI want to print this out and mail it to the company who made my reading program!! Ay caramba. Thanks for sharing this; it makes me feel validated!!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
Jill, I'm glad these words bring some validation your way. Programs aren't all that great at validating the great things that we teachers do.
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