Blog Post #4 'Teach with a Sense of Urgency' Routman

Routman expresses exactly how she intentionally 'teaches with a sense of urgency'.  She begins with making the point that she doesn't teach from a place of anxiety but rather making each moment count.  As she outlines the Optimal Learning Model she also list first and foremost that the students must bond with their teacher and that the teacher models the value of literacy with his or her students by demonstrating, supporting, encouraging and affirming their students. 

She goes on to explain how the four phases of learning-demonstration, shared demonstration, guided practice and independent practice when integrated together help the student to move closer to independent learning.  Independent learners enjoy what they learn...so how do I "promote joy in learning?"  Do encourage relationships in my classroom, not just between me and my students but with each other that promote joy in learning?  Do they enjoy sharing what they have learned and accomplished with each other? 

I liked the idea suggested that instead of only a few 'key players' as I call them sometimes always fighting to answer questions about a reading, divide them into groups and let them discuss the answers with each other.  Yes, four year olds would be a challenge to keep on track but sometimes I learn so much more about them just from listening to them interact with each other than when they are put on the spot to answer a question.  Also, I think it will help them connect as learners instead of being in competition with each other.  I loved the 'turn and talk' idea and hope to implement it with my class.