Good Job

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Good Job —

I hear this sometimes and I wonder, what does that mean? I find myself saying that also and I wonder, what did I mean? Was I not paying attention enough to add more detail to my compliment? I need to do better at being more specific in my compliments. What specifically did I enjoy about what someone did? What specifically do I like about the thing this person is doing? Specific feedback gives more depth to the compliment and provides something for the complimentee(I know, not a word) to enjoy about what they did. So I need to create an instant rubric in my head for everything I see people do so I know what to compliment them on... no that is not correct, I just need to pay attention and see what is happening. I need to not look at situations as a judgment call, but as enjoyment. Complimenting others with a blanket "good job" give nothing specific for them to celebrate. It just leaves them wondering wheat part was good and what part needed improvement. I can do better. I need to do better. Those around me deserve better compliments. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." — Abraham Lincoln

What I’m watching —

Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children

This video tells about the difference parents can make by just talking to their children. The research is astounding. The difference between a child that is talked to when they are young compared to a child that is not makes a huge difference in literacy. 

Favorite Article This Week —

Vocabulary: The Missing Link Between Reading and Literacy

I read this article and thought you should read it also. Here are a couple questions to think about when you read this. Why might vocabulary be the missing link between phonics and comprehension? What implications for instruction does this article present? How will this affect the way you teach vocabulary?

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Jaime. Hearing you tell about how you try to help students be a part of music even when they do not want to be a part of the dancing is wonderful. Every student has a notch somewhere and you are helping them find their place in music class. Thank you.

Thank you third grade for helping Kristen A. get climatized to our school. Coming in this time of year is always interesting, which Derrell has found, but she has done well.Thank you for getting her up to speed and keeping the focus on the students. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.