In the Moment

March 20, 2015
Issue #348

A few weeks ago, four local wrestlers competed at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament. Watching each match, it was easy to get drawn in to each wrestler's intensity and passion. They had worked hard to get to this point and were ready to build on their success. 

While watching our wrestlers, I couldn’t help but notice the coaches. Standing, kneeling, squatting, and even lying on the mat, they did not miss a beat, coaching each wrestler through every match. The coaches worked with their athletes in the moment, providing "just in time" guidance to help them succeed. It was inspiring to observe these young wrestlers responding to their coaches' instruction, demonstrating individual improvement right before our eyes. 

This noticeable growth caused me to reflect on our work with students. Each day we have the opportunity to coach our students in the moment, during focus lessons, small strategy groups, and individual conferences. When we observe a strategy in use, a struggle with text, or even an undesirable behavior, we have the chance to provide "just in time" guidance to help them succeed. 

The coaches I observed at the state wrestling tournament were there to take their athletes to their highest level, working right alongside them, guiding them to their moment to shine. That is what we are doing day in and day out as teachers. We are coaching our students toward a win in reading, writing, math, thinking, and how to be kind and productive citizens. When our students are struggling, they need us. Not three days from now, but now. That's why we make it a point to save time in our calendar each day for spontaneous conferences. It is this in-the-moment guidance that won't just put them in the spotlight for a moment, but will affect them for a lifetime.

 

News from The Daily CAFE

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Staying Out of the Way—Refining Step 8

We've made a subtle change when launching Daily 5 and Math Daily 3 that has been highly successful in supporting barometer students as well as helping teachers get in the important habit of conferring with students. 

 

 

Connecting Prior Learning

Watch Beth Lawson expertly connect prior learning before layering on something new. 

 

 

 

Online Sight-Word Practice

Here are a few websites you've shared with us that provide students with ways to practice high-frequency words online.

 

 

"I Can" Bookmarks

Help students remember the key factors of these accuracy strategies with easily reproduced bookmarks.

1  Flip the Sound*
2  Recognize Words on Sight* 

 

 

Math Daily 3—Quick Start Guide*

These supports are just what you need to get Math Daily 3 up and running.

 

*Available to members

 

b-Resilient Find the Inspiration in You Listen to your own thoughts to draw inspiration in your life.

Conferring with CCPensieve Confer with a Group Add conferring notes for a small group right from the group's page.

 

Professional Development Opportunities

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2015 Live Workshops We are excited about our 2015 workshops. At each location, the first day will focus on Daily 5 and Math Daily 3. Day two is a new CAFE Intensive.  Location Dates Chicago, IL Westin North Shore April 18, 19 (Full both days) Charlotte, NC Westin Charlotte June 6, 7 Tacoma, WA Hotel Murano June 25, 26 Orange County, CA Hyatt Regency Orange County August 3, 4 Minneapolis, MN Radisson Blu Mall of America August 29, 30 Fort Worth, TX Hilton Fort Worth September 19, 20 Las Vegas, NV Tropicana Las Vegas November 14, 15

2015 Online Seminars Prefer short bursts of information combined with independent learning? Each session offers separate seminars on Daily 5, CAFE and Math Daily 3. April 5–May 2 May 3–May 30 May 31-June 27 July 7-Aug1 Learn more about Daily 5 and CAFE workshops, online seminars, and online graduate courses. Up & Running with the Daily 5 Our new how-to video, shot in third-grade and fifth-grade classrooms, is available through subscription for online streaming or as a DVD.  Go to Stenhouse Publishers to learn about a limited-time offer that could benefit your school.