Assignment 1: October 8, 2024 - Pose a Problem of Practice:

Although reading and writing inherently lend themselves to allowing children a certain degree or autonomy there is not enough. How can I provide enough opportunity for choice within reading and writing workshop for all children to feel successful and escited about their learning. Each student needs an entry point into each assignment at a level that they are comfortable with.  learn and show INTRINSICALLY MOTIVATED? 

As I have been working on using Responsive Classroom strategies with my students I am learning that if given more academic choice, children will push themselves further than I ever could. When they challenge themselves and see their goals being met there is a sense of pride and intrinsic motivation that they can only get from within themselves. 

I have worked on providing multiple ways to present information, different structures for note-taking and planning their writing etc. We have always offered choice in terms of topics but I believe we need to go further to capture what kids are really capable of and to make sure they have the drive and excitement. 

Students often struggle during independent reading to maintain focus and really fall in love with texts. There are also many kids who believe they are "bad writers". Students need more choice about what to read, how to read, when to read, where to read and how to respond to reading both verbally and in writing. 

I will work on adapting existing lessons and units in reading and writing to provide more independence through choice. It is my hope that students will...

-build their self confidence in reading and writing

-push themselves to be more proactive in their learning

-take ownership over the process of learning, not just the product

-challenge themselves to try new and "risky" strategies

-learn from all of the other different students and choices provided.