Two student desks have been dragged to the front of the classroom. The class anxiously waits for the show to begin. Katerina, playing the role of teacher instructs the "class" to begin Independent Reading. On cue, I sit down at my desk, pull out my reading materials, put on my headphones, and open my book to the marked page. As I read, I jot down my thinking in my Reader's Notebook. Mrs. Kurtzman on the other hand, searches her desk for her book and materials. Once she locates her book, she skims a few pages, and then heads over to the classroom library to find another book. Along the way she stops to chat with students who are trying to stay focused. She eventually finds her way back to her desk with another book in hand. She skims through the text, looking up often to check the clock. The class giggles as they watch the performance. Mrs. Kurtzman is clearly enjoying her acting debut, and many of the students recognize themselves in various aspects of the role play.
We follow up with a meaningful discussion about the differences observed. The class concludes that Mrs. Kurtzman barely skimmed the surface of her book while Ms. Copland was engaged in "Deep Reading".
We chart strategies for "Deep Reading".
-Be prepared
-Ignore distractions
-Use headphones or hider if needed
-Stay put
-Eyes on text
-Think deeply about the text
-Slow down
-Reread for understanding
-Record your thinking in your Reader's Notebook
During Independent Reading time, the room is still and quiet other than the soft rustle of pages turning. It is clear the students are deeply engrossed in their books. When it comes time to discuss their reading in partnerships, the students are able to share their deep thinking and carry on meaningful discussions.
We will continue to "Dig Deep" every day in our classroom, not only in our reading, but in our thinking, our writing, our discussions, and throughout our learning.
We follow up with a meaningful discussion about the differences observed. The class concludes that Mrs. Kurtzman barely skimmed the surface of her book while Ms. Copland was engaged in "Deep Reading".
We chart strategies for "Deep Reading".
-Be prepared
-Ignore distractions
-Use headphones or hider if needed
-Stay put
-Eyes on text
-Think deeply about the text
-Slow down
-Reread for understanding
-Record your thinking in your Reader's Notebook
During Independent Reading time, the room is still and quiet other than the soft rustle of pages turning. It is clear the students are deeply engrossed in their books. When it comes time to discuss their reading in partnerships, the students are able to share their deep thinking and carry on meaningful discussions.
We will continue to "Dig Deep" every day in our classroom, not only in our reading, but in our thinking, our writing, our discussions, and throughout our learning.
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
I am currently reading Conferring: The Keystone of Reader's Workshop by Patrick A. Allen. I am inspired by Patrick's commitment to creating a community of deep thinkers in his classroom!
I am currently reading Conferring: The Keystone of Reader's Workshop by Patrick A. Allen. I am inspired by Patrick's commitment to creating a community of deep thinkers in his classroom!