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It's All About the Climb!

In a Responsive Classroom, it is a teacher's knowing and naming of what students can do that allows them to tell us what they need to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

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	Talkin' 'Bout Teacher Language by: Mrs. R :), 11-14-2009 Dear Responsive Teachers, What a wonderful opportunity I had this past Thursday. I was able to consult with two practicing RC teachers in my building! What a thrill to visit two incredibly capable teachers and listen in on their positive interactions with their students. I was so impressed with their knowledge and grateful for the time they allowed me to view their practice. They both wanted me to target their Teacher Language. And what amazing things I heard! So many wonderful proactive comments... the tone in both classrooms was calm, respectful and enagaing. Expectations were clear and learning was evident everywhere. What I did notice, though, was that the Reinforcing and Redirecting Language was minimal. At one point, Colleague #1 stood over a student observing him work, said, "Good job!" and walked away. When we had time to debrief, I told her that I knew in her head she was making all kinds of mental notes about what she was seeing. I asked her, "How do all those notes help him if you don't tell him specifically what it was he did that was so good" She was a little stunned... she knew that it was importnat to give specific feedback. She thought she did a better job of it. She really didn't realize that she had left him with only that comment. Colleague #2 was fabulous about using reminding language; particularly with one student who has been giving her a run for her money. She is all about the proactive planning and goal setting before independent work time. But, where the great teacher language stopped was when she never touched base as the plan unfolded. She missed quite a few opportunities to reinforce his appropriate behavior throughout his work time. She didn't realize that she was missing so many opportunities. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for the three of us all to see where the strengths of these teachers were and how to move to that next level of teacher language. But, not all of us have the opportunity to see such great teaching in action, or have a coach come in to help. That's where Responsive Classroom is stepping in for us... I just discovered their YouTube Channel and on it they have posted some awesome video clips. One is just about teacher language. So, if you want to see some RC in action, you really should check it out. You can get to it through their blog www.responsiveclassroom.org/blog I'd love to hear what you think about the video. But, I'd also love to think about ways we can support each other in our RC journey. So my question is, How can we help ourselves deepen our practice? How can we recieve feedback to help us grow? I look forward to your thoughtful comments! Happy climbing, Mrs. R 0 Comments
	Please and Thank You by: Mrs. R :), 11-07-2009 Dear Responsive Teachers, My NEFC On-Site coach came to my busy first-grade classroom yesterday to observe me as I continue along my Teacher Trainer Certification process. It was wonderful to have her in the room, even when Little Jimmy asked me if he could bring in handcuffs for the Share next week . I always learn so much from being observed. First of all, I love "public teaching". There is something about having another adult (colleague or parent) in the room that makes me want to showcase the amazing learning that happens on a daily basis. I love when I finish a read-aloud and the children errupt into spontaneaous applause and comments like "That was a breathless book!". I adore when I get to use the words "clear expectations" with a student who understands that I am providing said expectations through my lesson. Or when a little one says "I am using a t-chart to organize my Word Family lists." It's not me, but my students, that I am eager for the observer to see... So when my Principal came in and sat down to observe the observation, I didn't flinch. Actually, I was thrilled that he came in so he could hear and see what my students are doing and how they are growing. After the observation, Kerry and I sat own to debrief... and this is where my second big learning occured and where please and thank you come into play. After reading The Power of Our Words by Paula Denton, I dropped "please" from my teacher vocabulary. Seriously. Sentences such as "Please sit down" or "Walking in the hallway, please" are gone. Completely. The reason is because the use of please in that situation implies an option. The child now has a choice in the matter. To sit or not... to walk or not... I don't expect my children to run in the hallway, so why don't I just tell them what I do expect? Now my sentences are "Walk in the hallway." Or, "Now is the time to sit on the carpet." The expectation is clear; no ambiguity; no choice. But "thank you" is another idea altogether. After children share in the classroom (during a lesson or during a Morning Meeting) I am apt to say "Thank you." It is purposeful. I want to thank them for their great thinking. I want to honor their brave behavior to speak in front of others. I want to acknowledge their following of directions. "So, why don't you just do that?" said Kerry. "Yeah, why don't I?" said Mrs. R. So, now when Little Jimmy shares his thinking, I will say "I noticed you really thought about that answer before you spoke." Or when Susie finally gets the courage to share in front of her classmates, I will say "I see that took some courage to share. You must feel very proud." It isn't easy to change our language, especially when we think we are saying the "right" thing. But, it is exciting to refine our thinking and change the lens. So, my question for you is What language can you refine in your classroom? How can you make sure that everything you say is meaningful? I still say please and thank you. But I am much more frugal and thoughtful about when I say it. So when Sally brings me a (hot mess) of a handmade Dream Catcher Monday morning, and I say "Thank you," she will know I mean it from my heart. Until next time, Mrs. R 2 Comments
	Ready for the Next Step by: Mrs. R :), 09-16-2009 Dear Responsive Teachers, My Hopes and Dreams conferences were amazing! The kids were so insightful... I was able to have a few minutes to observe and learn about each child. I found out some interesting information about social challenges, academic strengths and developmental levels. I noticed who made eye contact and who didn't, I saw children who were confident and others that were not. But above all, I met my kids! If I had to do two things differently, I would talk less! I tend to chat when I am nervous. I was able still to hear and see so much, but I think it would be beneficial to listen with my heart and eyes and ears. Also, I would be even more clear about the focus of the Conference before hand. When the parents and child came in to the room, we sat at a table. I asked them 2 questions; "What do you hope to do/learn about in first grade?" and "What do you hope to do with friends in first grade?" Then I asked Mom/Dad the same question. It was really powerful to hear the answers... they were all awesome! From read better so I can read Harry Potter books on my own to be a better problem solver because that was hard for me last year. Really. I'm not kidding. True answers. Next year, though, including that format in my welcome letter will be beneficial for the parents and kids. I am amazed at the little ones I have coming in. We are already in such a good place... Next up the first week of school! So my question is: How does your first week look and sound? Happy Climbing, Mrs. R 2 Comments
	Hopes and Dreams by: Mrs. R :), 08-26-2009 So, tomorrow begins another year in my teaching career. It will be my 17th start to a new school year. It seems like one minute ago I had graduated college and had my first interview for this school district. Where does the time go? I am so fortunate to have stumbled upon Responsive Classroom. I am thrilled to be using it for my 5th year and am happily surprised that I am still implementing new pieces of the approach. Tomorrow, I will meet with 10 out of 17 of my new families for my first ever Hopes and Dreams Conferences. I heard from 13 out of 17 families, and 3 have scheduled for other times during those first 2 weeks of school. I am excited and nervous. I have scheduled 10 minutes per family, and I know they will want more time! We probably both will. I asked each family to think of one academic and one social hope or dream for their child for first grade. I have been grappling with this as well. So, here I sit, still trying to decide what I can "boil it down to". Tell me what you think! Academic: I hope to refine my teacher language even more this upcoming year. I hope to grow to love, understand, and implement the Daily 5 as much as I love, understand, and implement RC. I hope to be a better teacher of reading and writing. Social: I hope I continue to work with my circle of friends to deepen my understanding of best practices. I hope my friends and I give each other confidence to grow, challenge one another with deep and thoughtful discussions, and laugh A LOT! I am excited about my new community of learners in my room. I think I have a separate set of hopes and dreams for them. Here they are. Academic: I hope to help all children in my classroom become strong readers and writers, gaining many strategies in comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary. I hope to instill a love of math and problem solving in each one of my students. Social: I hope to help the children in my room deal with their social and emotional challenges in a safe, nuturing, and fun environment. I hope all the children in my room are friendly and respectful to one another and adults. I hope we are sad to leave each other when the year comes to an end. So... in order to attain these hopes and dreams, what do we have to do? Much work! And that work begins tomorrow with my first ever Hopes and Dreams Conferences. If you are holding them as well, please write in and share your story. If you're not, write in and share your hopes and dreams. How will you make them happen? Happy climbing! Mrs. R 4 Comments
	Hooray! by: Mrs. R :), 08-22-2009 I think PT finally sorted out the problem with the log in verification and I am now free and clear to start my blog. I am climbing my way to RC Teacher Certification Status. I am in my second year of training, and I am excited. I am also thrilled to have found a loyal and dedicated group of RC Teachers here on this site. So, I hope to post as frequently as I can about the climb. The challenges and the successes that I will undoubtedly experience along this journey. Care to join me? 3 Comments

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