Blog #4

I loved that Fisher and Frey reminded us the importance of teaching our students how to think or how their thinking works. We all learn through language. We are exposed to language daily. Exposing students as often as possible to language across subject areas is important. We should be able to find some kind of writing activity to go along with the content we are teaching. Having them to write down their thoughts about the days lesson as they go, and give time to jot down questions they may have, will enhance their learning. They will begin to take charge of their learning and become motivated to find out things on their own. Offer activities to make them a critical thinker that can be done with their peers and have them present supporting details on the topic. Standing and just providing information is only so good, having the students apply the knowledge you tell is where true learning happens. I love the idea of and the warm feeling a group provides. I would make sure I point out to my students all the benefits of having their peers input. Peers can always provide an extra avenue of checking understanding.
We all know that experiences help with learning. Have background knowledge of key concepts earlier, and text structure earlier, will enable students to make connections at a later time. Connections are best made when comprehension happens. If students do not comprehend something, it's useless. We should teach students strategies that help them learn how to comprehend things. As a teacher we have to role to model good practices. Regardless of the activity we are doing, we can find something to model a good practice. And if things don't go so well during the lesson, it will be better next time, improvements will be made accordingly.
I remember having a journal when I was in school but I don't remember a rubric that went along. I don't think we were ever given the reason for the journal or what specifics to include. Besides the journal, I don't remember many tools that helped in the classroom. I merely remember my teacher telling me how to do something then doing it. I was never given its importance or reasoning behind it. Just a right way to do it. If we had something in the classroom that compared to the THINK center that we had a chance to experience now, I am sure I would have had a better outlook of school. I really enjoyed my experience there and I did not feel out of place at all. I would love to design my classroom around it and have the opportunity to have that homely feeling in a great effective learning environment.