Stacy Crump-Routman Chapter 4 --"A Sense of Urgency"

     This chapter, " Teach With a Sense of Urgency," speaks to our calling. Teachers enter this profession with an urgent fervor to create wonderful lessons and move their students to the top of the class. The author speaks directly to the teaching of reading. Teachers create readers by providing opportunities, guidance, and an exposure to a literate world. Teachers base lessons on what kids need instead of a purchased learning curriculum. In the optimal learning model, the teacher, first, models and demonstrates how to perform the given task. In the shared demonstration phase, the teacher is still the leader but encourages the students to participate and respond. In the Guided Practice phase, students begin to take charge of their own learning. The teacher is near with support and encouragement. During the independent practice phase, the learners have developed a sense of confidence and are ready to apply the skill on their own. I like this strategy for all subject areas. I feel like this is how I introduce skills in my math class. We start with teacher modeling, explaining, and discussion. We then move to small group practice. Then to partner practice. Finally, to individual practice. I try to be nearby for feedback and encouragement while at the same time trying to foster independence. I really think this is a good teaching model for all subjects.