If anyone is familiar with the band, Foreigner, from the 70's and 80's you realize what I mean! I couldn't help but have the tune "Urgent" playing in my mind as I read Part 2 of Routman's, Reading Essentials.
The main focus of this section is to "teach with a sense of urgency and joy" so that our students are able to become the independent readers and writers we want them to be. Making every moment count and teaching with intention should be our priority so that our limited amount of time with them is producing the maximum desired effect. As teachers, we know that the more they depend on us for feedback, the less responsibility they have for their own learning. Every minute we spend with them is an opportunity to teach them something that will move them forward. Our expectations need to remain high for every student especially the ones from low socio-economic backgrounds. It is these students that "must have meaning-oriented instruction in order to succeed at high levels." When we model strategies, provide support and guided practice with tasks and materials that are relevant to them, we are contributing to their success and competence. And that is what answering that urgent call is all about.
Now, excuse me, but I think I feel an urgent need to go dust off that vinyl record hidden somewhere in my garage! Rock on!
Love the way you tie your love for music and concerts in here! Also like the points you hit on about making every moment count, high expectations, and basically getting the best out of our students! Great job...and hope you enjoy listening to some good vinyl this weekend!
ReplyDeleteLOVE those 70"S and 80" bands as well!! I could actually dust off a few vinyls myself. HMMMMMMM!!! I also love the way you made that connection !!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the following sentence ." When we model strategies, provide support and guided practice with tasks and materials that are relevant to them, we are contributing to their success and competence. And that is what answering that urgent call is all about. I model, model , model, and provide much support such as guided practice, etc.
Making every moment in my classroom count is what happens and keeps my students excited about learning and returning tomorrow!!
I agree with you about having high expectations for not just our higher achieving students. Students live up to what we expect them to achieve. I have never lowered my expectations for my students that come from a lower socioeconomic background. It is very important to not write them off because of factors that they can not help.
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ReplyDeleteYour title caught my attention so I had to read! Teaching with urgency shows the learner that you have high expectations for him or her. It is easy to recognize students who have a teacher that has a sense of urgency in the classroom. Learning is definitely taking place in this situation.
ReplyDeleteUrgent, urgent, emergency! Great connection, great title, great way to get our attention Patrice! Not only does your summary ring true about our need to teach with a sense of urgency, you modeled how readers make connections!
ReplyDeleteUrgent, urgent, emergency! Great connection, great title, great way to get our attention Patrice! Not only does your summary ring true about our need to teach with a sense of urgency, you modeled how readers make connections!
ReplyDeleteI had to read your post after see the title. I am from the Foreigner generation and just had to see what you had written. We must teach with urgency and purpose. I have a co-teacher that always say " work like you have a purpose" it is so true.
ReplyDeletePatrice,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great title for this chapter. The word "urgent" really got my attention because as educators we must always teach with a sense of urgency.
Also, I truly believe that teachers should have high expectations for all students. It's so easy to focus on the high flyers, but struggling students need our attention as well. To be exact, they need more of our attention than the high flyers
Patrice,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great title for this chapter. The word "urgent" really got my attention because as educators we must always teach with a sense of urgency.
Also, I truly believe that teachers should have high expectations for all students. It's so easy to focus on the high flyers, but struggling students need our attention as well. To be exact, they need more of our attention than the high flyers
Eye catching title. I have found that when our students sense our urgency they become more motivated learners. Enjoyed reading your post. You spoke a lot of truth in what you said.
ReplyDeleteHi Patrice,
ReplyDeleteI love how you opened with a Foreigner song at the beginning of your blog post! Routman's call for a sense of urgency was what stood out to me the most when I read this chapter as well. I agree with you and with Routman that we must be intentional about what we focus on in our conferencing and in our mini-lessons with our students because we only have so much time. I like how you said we must keep moving them forward as readers and writers. You shared how her optimal learning model is helpful to structure our support our instructional delivery and support to our students. I have a musical ending for you..."Don't Stop Believing!!" Thanks, Dawn