HOUR OF CODE:
The New and Improved SSR (Sustained Silent Reading)
There came a time when reading Couros' Innovative Mindset when I woke up and smelled the coffee. There was a part in the book that said as adults we dim down childrens' curiosity because we do not like to hear question after question and we tell them to stop asking why. It sounds like such a minuscule detail to pick up on that we do not realize the major effects it causes!! When my students have their hands raised to share brilliant ideas or ask questions to gear their learning, I try to call on as many hands as possible. At the end of the day though, I have a time crunch because we have standardized tests to prepare for and specific curriculum to cover. My big aha moment was from realizing that I have 45 minutes built into my day where students are supposed to dedicate their time to reading quietly. My students responses during this time:
- Rolling of eyes
- "Do we have to?"
- "I hate reading! There are no books that I like."
- "Can I get on my computer?"
- Monday- students choose their topic to explore for the week (this can be ANYTHING, school appropriate of course.)
- During the week- Students are researching and taking notes (in their notebook, word, online notebook, etc)
- Project time- Students use their new information to now create a presentation that they can share with the class. They are encouraged to not use the same platform every time and to explore the different options on each platform.
Come check out my dance!!!!
https://studio.code.org/projects/dance/drg6BomGf9nJ3x53N7vNeVQSuiCEKWwKwNkG263V3L0
https://studio.code.org/projects/dance/drg6BomGf9nJ3x53N7vNeVQSuiCEKWwKwNkG263V3L0