February 7th Readings

I thoroughly enjoyed chapter 10 and its debate on discussion and recitation in the classroom. I agree that discussion should be more utilized in the classroom than it is today. When students are asked general questions about material they have just learned they are only scratching the surface of the topic being covered. Also, if the students are only asked to memorize facts they are likely to not retain the information once tested on it. I like discussions so much because it creates a more laid back atmosphere int he classroom where everyone can feel comfortable to speak up and contribute their ideas; in a discussion there is never really one right or wrong answer it is just a time to share ideas and thoughts.

Literacy is really everywhere in my classroom. My CT does a rotation of the "Daily 5" where the students are given time, about 35 minutes, to either 1) read aloud quietly 2) read silently 3) read to a buddy 4) listen and follow along to a book on tape or 5) read a book and answer questions on a worksheet (which is very popular). This time gives the students one on one time with the book they are reading and gives the teacher one on one time with the students that are struggling with reading. My CT also gives out spelling words once a week, assigns seasonal writing assignments, and journal entry assignments that the students fill out everyday when they first arrive at school. For the journal entries, the teacher prompts something along the lines of, "I am..." or "I like...". My CT also always finds time to read to the students about something politically correct, which I hope to utilize in my own classroom.