Jan I don't teach middle school, but I am wondering about the role of teacher language in a child's tendency to backslide in the way you describe. I just read Debbie Miller's Teaching with Intention, including the commentary by Peter Johnston. So much of a child's motivation, at least initially, I think comes from having someone believe in him. The language we use in our classroom conveys that we see him (or her) as scholars, as capable, as partners in learning. When a child is back in an environment where all knowledge resides in the teacher...I could see how it would be easy to backslide. BUT... I am thinking that those children will remember...and some of them, someday, will find their way back into the fold. Jennifer In a message dated 12/28/2008 12:37:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, wr...@att.net writes:
Hi Jennifer, I so believe the statement you quoted from the book (below). If we think we need to create life-long learners, how do we get our students to know that they can learn and to get our students to want to learn? Not only when they are in our classes, but years later? I teach middle school. I have experienced students who for the first time did well in my class, but then when they went on to high school, they reverted to their previous ways. What do you middle school teachers do to keep learning going on in your students' lives? Jan **************Don't be the last to know - click here for the latest news that will have people talking. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000021) _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list Understand@literacyworkshop.org http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
