3-2-1 Lift Off!

We've had discussions this week around the role of launch within the language workshop. Our questions to students and ourselves focus learning.

What do we want to see students do and learn during the language workshop? The answer is complicated because we are asking students to develop self-regulated behaviors as well as learning habits. Specifically, we are using a genre or author study as the foundation to teach kids critical skills in inquiry and investigation to TEACH the procedures and behaviors we expect throughout the year.

Our focus isn't to get students to be experts in Eve Bunting or Marc Brown picture books but to get kids comfortable in the habit of inquiry and discussion. We want children to "learn" how and why we look for specifics independently within the structure of reading and writing.

So what does it look like when it's just right? I've seen lessons this week where the second grade teacher set the stage by telling students, "What is the purpose of this time?" The students answered, "to Investigate." Exactly, students need to be in the habit of looking for answers that aren't obvious and where they need to learn to use thinking skills. Children also need to know why they look.

A second example was in a fifth grade classroom where students were in a discussion of story elements. The teacher asked students to agree or disagree. Yes, it was an excellent example of respectful language. Don't hesitate to give students the rationale for discussion or revoicing. Children should participate in the behavior AND know the reasons for the behavior. For example, if you are expecting children to use sticky notes give them a focus but also tell them the reason why they use them to mark thinking within a text.

WE are halfway through our study. Please stay focused on the elements and purpose of launch. Students learn procedures and habits of reading and writing through authentic practice in all workshops but they also MUST know the reason why they are doing them.

Questions of the week:

WHY?

Why use a sticky note in marking thoughts?

Why do we chart?

Why do we work in groups?

Why do we turn to a neighbor?

Why do we journal our thoughts about reading?

Why do we participate in literature discussion groups?

Why is it important to read independently?

Discovery of the answers contributes to sustainability of the learning.

The Sky is the Limit!

Have a great week.