Rhonda Dickerson-Teach with a Sense of Urgency

Rhonda Dickerson

November-“Teach with a Sense of Urgency”-Routman

     Keep expectations high- I have always felt that children will and can perform at higher standards if we, as teachers, set those goals high.  I am in total agreement with the top things we need to do to ensure students become excellent readers. I would love to spend each day diligently checking off every one on the list!  It is becoming increasingly difficult to accomplish.  There is much emphasis placed on assessments and evaluations. We just spent 3 mornings testing last week and have 2 more mornings of testing this week. There is not a significant amount of uninterrupted time at any time during the day.  Children are pulled out for this and that.  How does one decide what should be happening in the classroom when they are not present?  When are we supposed to do everything that is requested? 

    I am actually following the four phases of learning right now with an arts-integrated writing lesson.  It was reassuring to know that the steps we are taking are steps toward independence.  YEAH!!

    A huge thumbs-up in support of children hearing lots of stories and reading and writing stories and poems; to become good readers and writers, they must read, read, read.  Literacy-rich environments are necessary.  I do need to include the interactive reading tips more when I read aloud.  I do not use the “turn and talk” enough.

    My students do enjoy reading and I feel that they’ve grown as readers already.  I am hopeful that we will continue our journey and grow even more as the year progresses.