The beginning of the school year is always filled with nervous energy as we wonder what the class will be like and how much work will need to be done this year to prepare the kids for the next grade. The work is nothing to be afraid of, but some years need more preparation than others! As most teachers do, I always begin my year with key books I read aloud. I am typically an over-the-top reader changing my voices and expressions to match the action in the book. I LOVE reading to kids and sparking their desire to read more (and hopefully with the same expression!) I tend to begin this way because I want the kids to see reading can be fun and they should not be embarrassed to hold back. They should be reading the same exact way!
After I finished reading my 3rd or 4th book, I asked the class, "Does anyone notice anything about my reading?" The obvious response is always that I change my voice a lot. This year I received a response that threw me for a loop! One student made the connection that all my books were chosen to teach them how to behave in the classroom and at school. I absolutely LOVED that response! I have never had a student make that connection, but this year it was pointed out I have a purpose and theme for the books I read. This tells me I have a group of kiddos that will be making deeper connections than other groups in the past have made!
Here's to an amazing year with kids who are ready to think outside the box!
No comments:
Post a Comment