Mistakes Will Be Made

Recently we have received many emails from teachers and principals asking for help. Each is reaching out with a high urgency, wanting to do the best they can as they move through uncharted teaching and learning territory. What does Daily 5 look like virtually? What will students read? How can I engage with students? What does conferring look like physically distanced? The questions come in waves and every single one is valid and important.

This year we are traveling through unfamiliar waters and we want to be successful. And, more then ever it is important to remember that success doesn't come without taking risks.

We will make mistakes. So will our students. Let’s learn from these mistakes, not avoid them.

Accept that the launch of Daily 5 and CAFE may not match the perfect picture you have in your mind. And, know it is the process of practicing, correcting, and shaping that eventually leads to the independence and calm buzz of engagement that defines the success we will enjoy.

We are unique, each of our students is unique, and each of our situations is unique.

Starting something new requires stepping into something unfamiliar. We ask our students to do this each and every day, and we are there to scaffold their learning and turn momentary failures into stepping stones of success.

You are not alone. In addition to the support of your colleagues, a tremendous variety of resources are on The Daily CAFE to support you as you begin this journey. You may wish to check out:

Reading at Home

Writing at Home

Kid Teacher

Ready Reference Guides

Lit Lessons

Coaching Series

And the first of a new series that introduces strategies to your students.

We are here with you and for you. You can do it. You are stepping out and you are going to make it great.