Sara Malone - December Blog Post #5 - "Teach With a Sense of Urgency"

In this chapter, I agree with Routman about the concept of capitalizing when we see the moment. I’ve been reminded of this concept by reflecting on the tried and true term “seize the teachable moment”. Unfortunately, there have been many times that I have I feel that I have had to set aside teachable moments simply because of rushed schedules, a behavioral issue, or classroom distractions.  To teach with a sense of urgency is definitely a goal that I desire to improve upon.

In Routman’s chapter, she stresses using the concepts of Working Toward Independence, Promoting Joy in Learning, and Putting the Learning Model into Action. These are all concepts that are my goals for my students. I want to teach to prepare them to become independent learners in so many different ways. As a first grade teacher, I am always mindful of bridging the gap between holding my student’s hands through the journey and then letting go of their hands as they develop into second graders. I always enjoy thinking of new ways to put more joy in learning. How can I teach the same concepts on this worksheet in a way that doesn’t involve using this worksheet?  And putting models into action has really manifested itself this year through using our Leader in Me tools. A program’s vocabulary can often become common vernacular if used in ways that create meaning and also create real life application.

This semester I am excited to begin teaching with more of a sense of urgency in my own classroom and hopefully utilize these areas in my goals. I plan to group my students into leveled reading groups and rotate groups throughout the week. I am really looking forward to connecting Reading with Writing activities. I feel that there is going to be so much more of ME to give. I will be able to feel the pulse and the pace of the students. Teaching in smaller groups is really going to allow me to capitalize on the teachable moments and give so much more of my attention to the details, but more importantly, the student.