Brainstorming & Discussion

I've only made it to Chapter 4 so far but already I'm thrilled that I got on board with this read. Anytime I find myself going - YES, YES, YES within the first chapter, I know it's worth the read!

This little poem right here. This is something I've always said. We as teachers are ALWAYS talking. It's human nature. Imagine if the first thing teachers had to do every morning was sit together and work in silence. Imagine them working or walking silently anywhere for that mater.

A buzzing classroom is where it's at in my opinion.

Here are some more take aways.

Pair Share With Elbow Buddies

Stdents sit "Elbow elbow, Knee Knee" with their buddies to discuss. This one works in every subject for just about anything. I especially like it when I see the same 3-4 hands going up again and again. I'll say something like, "Hmm. I'm noticing the same people wanting to share but I'd like to hear from everyone. Turn to your elbow buddy and tell them...xyz." Then 30 seconds later when I reel them back I'll say, "NOW, who can tell me xyz." All the hands go up. It's short, pointed discussion time, and for many of them it helps gets those schemas up and moving again. Now they're ready to bring something to the table. They just needed to get those mouths moving again!!! :)

Modeling Discussion Language

This is something I think I've gotten better about doing this year but deff. think I need to work on more. I'm the first one who will tell you that it's critical to model e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. in the primary grades. But sometimes, I need to remind myself that I still need to model things again and again and again. Including the type of language we want our kids to use.

I find that the more I say things, the more the kids start to use them in their own language. When we're discussing anything in class, these are two sentence stems my kids know they should be using. The "respectfully" in the disagree is particularly important. It sounds like such adult language for little people but it's also amazing to hear them use it!

I hope these first few chapters have left you feeling as re-energized as they have me!! See the rest of the links ups going on over on Elizabeth's post by clicking the button below!

To Link up (click on the blue button on Elizabeth's Blog) and prepare for your chapter 3 discussion over at Mrs. Wills Kindergarten on Tuesday! Here is the rest of the schedule and you can join in at anytime!

Queen of the First Grade Jungle Chapter 4 (March 10th)

Fabulous in First  Chapter 5 (March 14th)

One Extra Degree Chapter 6 (March 17th)

Mrs. Jump’s Class Chapter 7 (March 28th)

The First Grade Parade  Chapter 8 (March 31st)

In April, you will be visiting these girls for the remainder of the study:

Mrs. Ehle’s Kindergarten Chapter 9 &10 (April 4th)

What The Teacher Wants Chapter 11 (April 7th)

First Grader At Last Chapter 12 (April 11th)

Erica’s Ed Ventures  Chapter 13 (April 14th)

KinderGals Chapter 14 &15 (April 18th)

A Rocky Top Teacher Chapter 16 (April 21st)

The Inspired Apple Chapter 17 (April 25th)

Little Warriors Chapter 18 (April 28th)

Falling Into First Chapter 19 (May 2nd)

Kickin’ it in Kindergarten Chapter 20 (May 5th)

If you are not a blogger (which is totally fine!!!) we still want to hear from you! Leave a comment below so we can discuss and share together!!