Jordan Varn: August Post Two: Children's Success as Readers and Writers: It's the Teacher's Belief that Makes the Difference

As a child, I often placed much of my self-confidence as  a student in the hands of my teacher. I looked to each one of them to see if I was a "strong" or "weak" student. Several students still today have the same attitude. They look at grades and listen to teacher comments that begin to fill their minds and develop their learning attitudes. Starting in fifth grade this year has been quite the adventure. Students are much more independent and have developed "learning attitudes". Many students either think "I can't do that so I am not going to try," or "I am so smart so I know I did it right." These are new struggles that I am dealing with that were not as developed when teaching third grade. Third grade is the year students really begin "reading to learn". According to article, which was written in 1991, the development center allowed the child "new challenges to communicate and take risks". So in my new position, I have to ask myself "How can I challenge my students to use their learned skills and encourage them to take risks with their developed learning attitude?"
      I decided to give students more choice. At the 5th grade level, students long for more choice. Students are now working in literacy groups that are fluid and can change through out the year. They are grouped based on lexile ranges and STAR data. However, through guided reading, conferencing, and observations, the groups can change. Students are also engaged in writing and language activities. While students are currently learning how to use literacy groups, they are still in fixed groups. However, once they show they have developed the independence and work ethic to work and stay on task, more choice will be allotted.  I also hope to implement a research based group using ItsLearning. This will also allow more choice for students to research and create using technology. Finally,  another part that is crucial for students to learn  in order to take risks, it to be brave enough to share their thoughts and beliefs in safe environment. They should should feel accepted when sharing their reading and writing. One way I have already began giving students the opportunity to share is using a padlet for students. Students respond to their reading and share with their peers. As the year progresses, I hope to give students to opportunity share with their peers in a face-to-face setting.
         Creating an environment that promotes communication in different capacities and risk taking is what students need in order to grow as readers and writers. This year will allow me many opportunities with these students.