(Click on the graphic for previous Saturday Sayings.)
Saturday has arrived early on my blog this week since I'm participating in a blog swap tomorrow. Saturday Sayings are near and dear to my heart though, so I had to fit this in.
 |
| (I love this pic.) |
That's what it says. What does it mean? To me it means that the learning that takes place at school, whether reading, writing, math, etc., should mirror the learning that takes place in real life. As much as possible, they should be one and the same. We could probably make a list of things we ask readers to do in the classroom that we would never expect them to do in real life. How about this example?
"How many adult readers would choose to read if they had to take a multiple-choice test for every book they finished?" Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer 131
(If you're interested in reading what one school is doing instead of computerized reading quizzes, a.k.a. AR, read Lori's post at Conversations in Literacy. It's a good one!)
I'm just simply reminded that I need to keep a watchful eye on the kinds of things I ask of my readers, writers, and mathematicians. I hope I can set up my classroom in a way that prepares them for lifetime thinking instead of only 12 years of school thinking. Here's Regie's thought on the matter.
"Is this a practice that occurs in the real world? If it's just a school thing, we need to question the practice." Regie Routman, Teaching Essentials 39
I've got great news before you leave. Tammy from First Grade at Storybook Cafe is joining me today for her own Saturday Sayings. Ready to be inspired? Head on over and enjoy her thoughts. I'm on my way.
Great post, Tammy. Our school does AR but I think they are starting to question it a bit. In first grade, we don't really push it much but Kristi and I always do a competition between our classes the last nine weeks and then have a float party for the winner - we always "tie." :-) I'm really hoping that if I can get the D5 going this year, I will be fostering a love for reading not reading for prizes or awards...not that I'll give up that float party but maybe it will just be for great reading! Ha!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, D5 is a great way to get kids reading in a way that mirrors what real life reading is all about. Thanks for adding to the conversation today.
DeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the button tip. I am going to try it out today! Have a super weekend!!
Christa
sweetlifeofsecond
Christa, I hope it works. I'll be crossing my fingers!
DeleteSo true Tammy! It's so important to be able to relate to these little ones on their level. We also find that when they can talk, read, and write about themselves (egomaniacs:) the results are so much better.
ReplyDeleteThere is a big homework discussion going on about what's expected at home. Here's where things get fuzzy and school and home definitely collide.
Love the Saturday Sayings-even if it is Friday!!!
~Christy & Tammy
Christy & Tammy, it's so true that they are so much more motivated when learning is about them. Aren't we all? :) Thanks for commenting today.
DeleteYes! Well said, Tammy. We have pretty much eliminated AR in the upper grades at my school (yay!) -- we want the kids to love to read first, but require that they read only what we have a test for (and that's not much with our budget)? Not working. My mantra with fifth graders is, "If you don't love what you're reading and can't wait to get back to it, you aren't reading the right stuff yet. Keep looking." It takes a lot more face time, one-on-one, to replace AR but it is so worth it.
ReplyDeleteLori J, have you read "The Book Whisperer?" I'm guessing you would LOVE it. What you're talking about sounds a lot like the book. Thanks for coming by friend!
DeleteSo, so, so true! Thanks for sharing with us, Tammy! :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Fourth and Ten
Like Fourth and Ten on Facebook!
Formerly Stories From Second
Lisa, thanks for coming by and reading. I appreciate it!
DeleteI love and appreciate how you have applied this not only to reading in your class, but to math too! Real world activities mean authentic activities! And thanks so much for mentioning me. How nice of you!!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, you're very welcome. You've got such solid things to share, and it's the least I could do.
DeleteYou've convinced me to start the Book Whisperer next! I have a ton of books to read this summer, but this one made it to the top of the pile :)
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Yea Barbara! Let me know what you think of it!
DeleteThe Book Whisperer was recommended by the sisters at the D5/Cafe conference. The quote makes so much sense- if we want the kiddos to put effort into something, they need to understand the relevance and rationale and if we can't give it or it is only to fulfill the curriculum then we need to re-think what we are asking of them. :)
ReplyDeleteJulie
Light A Fire in Third
Julie, it's a great read. I like hearing that the Sisters think so too. Thank you for adding to the conversation. I love hearing your thoughts!
DeleteThis kind of hit home. It is unfortunate that we don't seem o have enough time in the day for just reading for fun. It always seems that we have to somehow test the students in some way to think it is quality reading time.
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower,
Stephany
primarypossibilities.blogspot.com
Stephany, thank you for your insightful comment. It's definitely something worse considering. How do we spend our time? How do our kids spend their time? Thanks for coming by!
DeleteHi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI just received the Versatile Blogger Award. I now have to give the award to 5 other blogs. I immediately thought of your blog and you can “pick up” the award at my blog. I do think all these awards are a little crazy, so please don’t feel any pressure to pass the award on. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your generosity in sharing all of your great ideas. :)
Lyn
Mrs. Goff's Pre-K Tales
Lyn, I'm very honored that my blog would come to mind. Thank you for thinking of me and for coming by and leaving thoughtful comments too.
Delete