Joan Moser
November 6, 2009
It doesn't matter how long we've been teachers; when given the opportunity to observe another teacher, we always learn something new. We were in Beth Lawson's 3rd grade class this past week, and watching her Daily 5 time was amazing. As her comprehension focus lesson came to a close, Beth skillfully got the class ready for their first round of Daily 5. In awe, we watched as she asked her students to "Make your plan with your head for what your first choice is going to be. When your eyes show me you are focused and have a plan, I'll know you are ready."
Many students grew still and you could almost see their wheels turning as they thought about their plan. As Beth looked around the group sitting on the floor in front of her; she quietly called on each student, making undistracted eye contact with that student as she listened intently. We watched her children check in with their Daily 5 choice, their CAFE goal and strategy and even the book they were reading. We were mesmerized as we observed Beth taking the time to give a bit of coaching or feedback to each child.
One of her students checked in with Read to Self, articulated her goal and strategy and then told Beth she was going to read a Junie B. Jones book. Beth immediately reinforced the choice, telling the student that was a perfect fit for her. Later, as we debriefed with Beth, we found out this student was one who'd notoriously chosen books that were too hard, so Beth wanted to reinforce the great choice.
One of Beth's more at risk students checked in with his choice, goal, strategy and book choice. Beth quietly asked him what his plan was to keep reading. He looked at a group anchor chart on the wall and was able to give her his extended plan for sticking with his reading -- a challenge for him.
As each child finished checking in and moved to their choice, the others quietly scooted forward on the rug, getting closer to Beth. It was clear that this bit of time when she was focused completely on each of them individually was not only something they love, but was also an amazing way of getting her students to take charge of their learning as well as get started right away. It was like a mini-conference, right then and there.
So often we want to race through the check in time so we can get down to teaching. Watching Beth slow the process down a bit, taking the time to listen with undivided attention, taught us a new way to set students up for success. Inspiring! Thanks Beth!!