Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?
Posted by Kioni Carter on 7/14/08
Hi Victoria,
I think you are completly right in wanting to challenge your
students and create an atmosphere for higher learning. The
question may not be what are you doing wrong, pedigogically. If
anything, I think you should acknowledge what you are doing
right. As you said, many teachers just keep their children on one
level...some simply because it's easier than dealing with what it
might take to bring them to the next level.
One question I would ask though, is what are you doing to motivate
your students to want to read these harder books? In coaching, we
call that a buy-in. What's in it for them when they are supposed
to be reading the books? I think it is important to get a buy-in
from students when you want them to do something that is
challenging...and not solicited.
Perhaps you can find out from your students what would deeply move
them to want to read those books...don't try to guess for them.
Let them tell you. It may be that they want to read like an older
sibling, feel more "grown up" or maybe just read something that
they like to learn about, and read it with understanding. The
possibilities are endless. How does that sound? I would love to
hear how it goes if you are willing to try it. Hope that helps!
Luv,
K
Life Coach/Educational Consultant
www.trutransformationcoaching.com
Check out My Classroom RULES!