Lori Sabo
There are benefits to stepping into the guise of learner. Two recent experiences have given me cause to reflect on this role.
First, I was assisting in making a brunch to raise money for a local charity. While preparing coffee cake in big sheet pans (that made 60 servings each!), the chef came alongside to model a small revision to my work. His just-in-time tip was to smooth the batter evenly to the rims so the pieces would all be uniform; then we wouldn’t have to trim and waste thin edges when we served them. It was an easy adjustment to make, and I was able to match the standard from then on.
Second, after complimenting me on qualities he heard when I sang, a vocal coach offered me a few pointers. “Relax and open your throat. It should almost feel like a yawn. And instead of using the tension there to help you hit the higher notes, breathe deeper and use the breath to support your voice.”
He modeled, had me practice a couple of times, and then released me to practice on my own. This behavior was far from automatic, so every time I sing, I am embroiled in the metacognitive process of focusing on lyrics while my brain is asking, Is your throat open? Are you breathing correctly? I can’t wait for new habits to be instilled so I can enjoy the content instead of consciously zeroing in on the technique.
When we come alongside students to confer on reading, writing, and math, we provide small course corrections that will help them achieve their goals. Sometimes they pick it up and run with it right away. Other times they require repeated practice, having to stop and be intentionally cognitive about the strategy and process that will help until they can do it with automaticity.
Either way, individual assessment, specific feedback, and targeted instruction, followed by independent practice, is a powerful combination for producing growth. And it is precisely why Daily 5, CAFE, and Math Daily 3 are so effective. They provide the system by which students receive individualized instruction, and the structure that provides the time they need to practice and become proficient.
News from The Daily CAFE
Daily 5 in Action . . .
If you are new to Daily 5 and wonder what it looks like when it is up and running, we have two examples for you. Let's peek into these classrooms and take a look.
* Daily 5 in a K–2 Classroom*
* Daily 5 in Grade 4*
Math Daily 3 . . .
If you are thinking about implementing this powerhouse structure for your math block, these documents will help ensure a smooth launch of all three components.
* Math by Myself
* Math Writing
* Math with Someone
CAFE . . .
Accuracy—Beginning and Ending Sounds*
Kelly gets help from a nursery rhyme to teach this strategy, reminding her students to always be thinking, "Does this look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense?"
Focus on Health . . .
The Dandelion
Carol Moehrle encourages us to send positive thoughts, words, and deeds into the world.