Until my student teaching experience this year, I had never seen the guided reading model of classroom instruction. It’s amazing to me how the standard can change so much in just 10 years. I don’t necessarily like how most of the instruction is in centers but, with new curricula in place like reading street, I don’t really see any other way to do it, I just don’t know how else you can fit it all in. The thing I don’t like about centers is that, from what I have observed, students don’t really get much done and don’t stay on task because they know that the teacher is busy.
I really like this textbook. It is very relevant to what we are talking about and it is up to date on the issues that teachers are facing right now in schools, line curriculum changes! This chapter maps out the different curriculums in schools right now. I see a lot of these practices in my classroom and the book helps me to understand the ideologies behind these practices and it makes a little more sense.
Flint 5 Collins 2
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October 13, 2009 at 1:11 am |
Hey Brooks! You know, I felt the same way about centers until I was in a wonderfully organized classroom last fall. I think the way the teacher uses the centers and discusses expectations has a lot to do with the success of them. It is easy to use them as a place for “busy work” that allows the teacher time for guided reading but they can also be used to promote group participation, literacy practice, and self-control. Maybe you will get a chance to see more productive centers…or, better yet, create your own for your student teaching experience!