Catching Readers Before They Fall Chapter 5 and 10. Armstrong Panel

In today's blog I am choosing to talk more about Chapter 10 because I thought it was really interesting looking at the assessment processes brought up in the book. I guess what surprised me was how many different aspects and types of assessment that were mentioned and are expected to be practiced in the classroom. The Running Record seems like a simple, effective way to "give us insights into which strategic behaviors are being used or not used as well as information about what level text is appropriate for a child" (Johnson and Keier, 283). I also enjoyed the ideas given about documenting and keeping record of the student's assessments throughout the year. Although there are many ways to do this, the book layed out some class grids and class lists that had different information on them. As a visual person, these documenting skills were important for me to learn about within the chapter. I'm excited to start using these strategies and the rest mentioned throughout these two chapters within my field experience.

I also attended the Armstrong Teacher Panel this week on September 26th. The panel was so interesting and informative, while at the same time being very informal and enjoyable. Although I took in a lot of great tips, tricks, and ideas to carry with me as I keep continuing down my teaching path, perhaps the greatest piece of advice I received is having to not listen to everyones advice. The last speaker brought up the point that I am going to receive a million little bits of information and advice from different teachers throughout these next coming years. Instead of getting overwhelmed about not being able to practice and assess each piece of advice, we need to absorb what we like and will think will work best in our particular classroom for that year. Within the panel alone, one teacher said not to smile until the first month is over so the students don't think your a pushover. Another teacher said to smile welcomely on the first day and be very open and inviting. Even this little situation shows how different teachers have vastly different strategies that work for them and not for others. I think the bottom line is I need to keep my mind open to all advice while staying true to my self, my teaching practice, and my successes.