After reading "The Habit of Kidwatching" by Timothy O'Keefe, I have realized how important this process is in the classroom. O'Keefe stated that "sitting with a child and watching and listening carefully may be the best thing we can do to get to know our students as readers." Not only is kidwatching an important tool for the teacher to guide their instruction, it is a way for the students themselves to learn from their habits and to become better readers.
I plan on making kidwatching a habit in my classroom. As I start to focus on guided reading groups this year, I believe taking the time to make this a habit will be very beneficial to my students as well as myself. Kidwatching will allow me to become aware of my students as individual readers. This information will guide my instruction and even help me create the guided reading groups based on the students' needs. I plan on creating a notebook just for kidwatching where every student has a section so that I can find my observations quickly and use them efficiently. This process will also teach me the various ways to observe a child. I am excited to learn more!
I cannot wait to see how kidwatching is going to impact my students. I believe if I show the students how important and beneficial it can be for them, they will be excited to start this journey with me. I would like to see my students motivating their peers to take what I have observed and apply this information throughout the day. I absolutely agree with O'Keefe's quote about kidwatching. Sometimes one just needs to stop, watch, and listen. It seems simple but sometimes the simplest things can be the most beneficial.
Enjoyed your blog on Kidwatching! I agree with your point of view.
ReplyDeleteLaura you have found the essence of Kidwatching - it is simply watching, noticing, and recording. The observations you make will reveal so much more than a weekly test on a story your children may or may not have any interest. Your last statement: "the simplest things can be the most beneficial", packs so much power. Go for it and be committed even when it may not feel comfortable.
ReplyDeleteKidwatching is all about what the students need and what we as teachers can do to guide their learning to match what they need. We live in a busy world where we have to remind ourselves to stop, watch, and listen, but our students require this time from us. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI love how you are wanting to utilize kidwatching within your guided reading groups. I also like your idea of creating a notebook to hold your noticings about each student. I agree with O'Keefe that these notes can serve a purpose to guide our instruction and to help reflect on students' growth. Sincerely, Dawn