My work stations have been going very well. I have seen so much improvement from the first day I began them. The students are becoming more independent and on-task. It is difficult for me to see some of their work afterwards, because I just want to push them to do better. However, I do have to realize that their work is going to be different when they work independently, than if I'm guiding them through the whole thing. I think that having this independent time really makes them take ownership of their learning, and rely on their skills to help them. This week has been a little harder because we haven't done stations for a week or two. Because of assemblies and such, we have had to take a week or two off. Therefore, I didn't realize how hard it is for students to get back on track with independent activities such as work stations. It's like they forgot how to read directions. I did have students redo their work afterwards if they did not follow the directions. Sometimes I think they believe that if they write anything down, they are doing it right. But, I want them to practice specific skills, which they have forgotten. A little reminder of our process has really gotten them back on track: read directions, get materials, and get started. The small group instruction is really going great. I love having the time to individualize my instruction even further with my students. I meet with all 3 ability groups throughout the week. Although, I do meet with my students with varying abilities different amounts of times. I also can make the activities more fun and hands-on in this type of situation. I do wish I had a bigger table and more room in the classroom. However, that is hard when I am using someone else's classroom as my own. This is one thing that would be very important in my room. I want to have a large horseshoe table with designated chairs set aside from the bulk of the classroom. This would allow me to comfortably instruct my small groups, and clear away from some of the noise.
My work stations have been going very well. I have seen so much improvement from the first day I began them. The students are becoming more independent and on-task. It is difficult for me to see some of their work afterwards, because I just want to push them to do better. However, I do have to realize that their work is going to be different when they work independently, than if I'm guiding them through the whole thing. I think that having this independent time really makes them take ownership of their learning, and rely on their skills to help them.
ReplyDeleteThis week has been a little harder because we haven't done stations for a week or two. Because of assemblies and such, we have had to take a week or two off. Therefore, I didn't realize how hard it is for students to get back on track with independent activities such as work stations. It's like they forgot how to read directions. I did have students redo their work afterwards if they did not follow the directions. Sometimes I think they believe that if they write anything down, they are doing it right. But, I want them to practice specific skills, which they have forgotten. A little reminder of our process has really gotten them back on track: read directions, get materials, and get started.
The small group instruction is really going great. I love having the time to individualize my instruction even further with my students. I meet with all 3 ability groups throughout the week. Although, I do meet with my students with varying abilities different amounts of times. I also can make the activities more fun and hands-on in this type of situation. I do wish I had a bigger table and more room in the classroom. However, that is hard when I am using someone else's classroom as my own. This is one thing that would be very important in my room. I want to have a large horseshoe table with designated chairs set aside from the bulk of the classroom. This would allow me to comfortably instruct my small groups, and clear away from some of the noise.