Yardsticks & Milestones Reading

I found some real gems in Yardsticks; from the way it is laid out to the ‘Aha!’ moment I had while reading and reflecting on my recent observation of my nephew. As I was reflecting I also thought about my classroom experiences with 9 year olds, usually in cross-age settings. What stood out to me was the section about their socio-emotional development; how self-critical they can be and the ‘it isn’t fair’ mantra. Afterward, I thought about how pair-sharing may be the perfect application for this particular age.

Although I enjoy cross-aged classrooms, I have to admit I didn’t always have the patience with 9 year olds that I did with Kindergarteners. I know I prepared lessons that were specifically catered to them but I didn’t always think of this time as such a sensitive one. Looking back, I now realize I was not as encouraging as I could have been. I do believe in positive discipline and usually find it easy to compliment each student but now I understand that they need clarity when given directions and no wonder they spent so much time deciding who does what in a group. Another reason to have cross-aged groupings; it is needed when any new group is formed. Now with my nephew, I am already applying more patience and just listen when he complains a bit or uses the ‘it’s not fair’ mantra. (Knowing is half the battle.) Realizing it is futile to try to solve these ongoing dilemmas and what the child needs is compassion and encouragement.

Now I would like to be more diligent about using the pair-share technique. Pair-share is when after giving directions or going over some idea that you would like the kids to remember, ask students to pair-share. This is usually modeled often in the beginning of the year and it is when students simply turn to the person next to them and each share what they learned, clarifying directions or ideas. I loved the technique but thought it took to much class time. Now I realize I can apply it frequently and save myself from being the only one repeating the directions and ideas.