(Click on the above graphic to read other Saturday Sayings.)
Today's quote comes from The Daily Five. It originated long before this book's time though. Henry David Thoreau penned the words.
"I believe three things determine the successful development of literacy: time, time, time. Stand in the doorway of your classroom and ask yourself this question: 'How are my students spending their time?'"
Richard Gentry, The Literacy Map 22
Classrooms are busy and buzzing with activity. That's a given. What are we busy about though? How do our kids spend their time? It seems obvious that if we want them to be readers, they should be reading. If we want them to be writers, they should be writing. Sometimes it's hard to put ourselves in the position of the observer from the doorway, but if we did, what would we see?
Remember, you're just getting started. We'd love for you to visit three more Saturday Sayings. Be ready for some inspiration. I definitely am!
So very important for us to step back and see what our kids' time is being spent on in the classroom. Thank you for bringing that up for us to ponder on and see if changes are needed in our own rooms. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, thanks for thinking this post was worthy of reading. I always appreciate your support.
DeleteI have had to reflect on this so much in the last few months when I work with an intern in my class. These very cute activities are planned but why are we working on them? I have found, that if you can't communicate the why to yourself- you are going to have a harder time communicating the why to the kiddos!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Light a Fire in Third Grade
Julie, that is so very true. We have to know why we're doing what we're doing. Sometimes cute doesn't cut it. Thank you for your comments!
DeleteVery provoking ideas! I love your blog header. It's one of my favorites I have seen! Also, you have such a unique, neat style to your blogging. I love it. It's refreshing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEmily
will you check out my blog?
Tangled with Teaching
Emily, thank you for coming by and leaving such sweet comments. I hope you come by again.
DeleteHi Tammy! I agree with Emily! Your writing has a fresh style to it! You pull us in and make us feel right at home. Love it!
ReplyDeleteReflection does take time doesn't it? It somehow goes against the grain to stop/pause/reflect. I thought about this other day when I was Pinning. I madly Pin...but why? So, I took a look at my pins and reflected on why I like them, how I will use them, and even got rid of a few. Same thing holds true for how we teach. Some things work and some don't. The things I love to teach just get better when I reflect and improve them.
Sandi
Literacy Minute
Sandi, I'm so glad you think my posts make people feel at home. Sometimes I'm worried my posts are too in your face or too blunt, so your comment means a lot to me. Thank you for adding your thoughts to this post. I always appreciate and enjoy what you add. (I so agree about the pinning. It's easy to go hog wild!)
DeleteI'm your newest follower! :)
ReplyDeleteTeacher Tam's Educational Adventures
Thanks Tammy for coming by. I appreciate every single follower!
DeleteWow, that was deep. I love it. Thank you. We do need to be quiet and observe. That's when we see our best path. It's laid out in front of us.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Kimberley, I'm glad you enjoyed this post. Your additional thoughts are very much appreciated!
DeleteI love your quotes. I am always referring back The 2 Sisters Books. It is so true that if you want good readers let them read. My class could do Read to Self all day long. They spread out, get comfy, and read. Many teachers, parents, and schools seem to focus so much on workbooks, paper/pencil activities, packets, etc., that they don't see that learning is taking place when students are reading and writing for enjoyment. One teacher at a time standing in the doorway can make a revolutionary change in children's lives and our educational system. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteSandra
Classroom Companion
Sandra, I love what you're saying. You and I are totally on the same page. Real reading and real writing are what it's all about. Thank you so much for commenting. Your added thoughts make this post better.
DeleteTammy I love the Saturday Saying...It could not be more true!!! It's so disappointing to hear teachers complain about struggling students and these are the classrooms where students are busy doing busy work!!! Melissa
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thank you. Thanks for the encouragement about Saturday Sayings. Busy work...boo! :)
DeleteThank you Jessica for coming by. I thoroughly cherish every new friend here on my blog. I'm coming over to visit you too.
ReplyDelete