Kendall Children's Lit. Spring discussion

4. How can you model what you want your students to do?

I believe that you can model what you want students to do by sharing and being open with your own personal thoughts of reading. Share with students what you enjoyed reading at their age and different books that you are currently reading. This would show students that you have continued to read and that reading is something fun for someone to do at any age. You can also keep your classroom full of books, posters that contain books, and even charts that show who is reading what books. If you show students that reading is fun and engaging and does not only pertain to school books they will be more apt to want to participate. I also feel it is important to allow students to keep a personal book in their desks that they can read if they finish an assignment. Also they could take this book out and read if a lesson runs short and there is a little bit of time left before the next class. During this time it would be okay for an instructor to ask individual students what they are reading in their own time and ask about their favorite parts of the book. This would allow for the student to feel that the instructor cares and wants to learn about what they enjoy reading.

In order to get your students to read more, you as the teacher need to model the actions you want to happen in your classroom. You need to be the good example for the students. You can model what you want your students to do by doing those things. If you want your students to be more open and willing to read, then you need to read. You can also talk to your students about what you want. Being open with your students and their suggestions can create a better learning environment. This will also allow you to have the books and materials that the students are interested in around the classroom. You could to allow students to bring their own books or be allowing the students to pick a book that follows the curriculum guidelines for a section that is to be taught. Allowing students to choose their own reading materials will encourage them to read more. In my school experience, I was bored and uninterested in the books that we had to read so I would just read them to get through the section. My experiences will help me shape my classroom by being open to students opinion, likes, and dislikes and create an environment that allows the students to be open while still getting done what needs to get done.

I think by not being afraid to tell students what your reading habits are is a good thing. Whether you are excited about what you are reading or you found something that you are struggling to get through; by communicating your own reading experiences you are opening up communication between the teacher and students. Older students will understand that there are going to be books they like and books they do not like; Teachers are no different and I think students need to see that. I think it is really important for students to choose books that they are interested in; Every book that I have read (or attempted to read) has taught me something; whether good or bad, and that is what matters.

I believe that as in all situations modeling behavior is the key to good habits of any kind including reading. I think that when the class has reading time the teacher should also be seen reading her own book. Whether we are a teacher in a classroom or a parent at home or a librarian, talking about reading and what you are reading or have read at different period in your life is very appropriate and will help your students or children to identify reading as a positve pastime. It is also important to remember that not everyone likes the same materials and to let students or your children know that this is o.k., its reading that's important and sharing what you like about the books you read.

When modeling to the students I think you should be totally honest about your reading habits. By being honest you are gaining their trust and creating this trusting goal that we are going to read together. I think that the teacher should first share what she/he likes in their life then show some books to the students that he/she will read. Then have the class each come up and talk about what things they like and suggest books for them to read. I think keeping up to date with your students and how their reading is going is important to keep them on track. You know first talk about your book, how far you are, and if you like it. Then have the students talk about their books. For those that dont want to read this will also give them that nudge of oh man i gotta read because the teacher will ask me. Its important to not just be a model to the kids but be a good and genuine model.

I think the easiest way to model what you want your students to do is to first put yourself at their level. Let the students know how you feel about what they are doing, why they are doing it, and what you hope will come from it. I think that staying open to questions and honest with students will help them trust you and this will lead them to model what you want them to do. Also it is important to set high yet manageable goals. Once the students meet these goals their confidence will increase and they will be more motivated to reach the next goal. Most importantly may be for the teacher to set the example themselves. If a student is constantly expected to read, yet the teacher does not show a love for reading, the student will not love it either. I think this is very important in all subject areas including math and science which are very challenging for some students.

Teachers are in a great place of influence with their students. If I as a teacher, model and do the things that I want my kids to do, they are more likely to do them as well. When it comes to reading, our students need to see US reading. Not only when we read as a class, but also during free time or even them seeing us carry a book around can speak loudly. By modeling this the students can visually and personally see that reading is important and something that shouldn't only happen during required reading time but also during free time. Even students seeing their OLD teacher reading can teach them that reading remains an important thing through your entire life. Modeling can carry over into all subjects/life skills that are presented throughout the day in a classroom. Let the students know that you care about this education and want them to succeed the best that they can. Modeling an encouraging and motivational attitude in your classroom will also allow your students to encourage each other and then also be more self motivated. The main thing is that teachers really have influence in the lives of their students, keeping that in mind will make you mindful of what you model and portray in your class.

Albert Einstein once said, "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means." I absolutely agree with this statement. Modeling what we want students to do is the only way. I could tell someone a hundred times to make their bed for example, but if I never make my bed, how can I tell someone to do it. This is the exact same concept for reading. The teacher, and someday me, has to model reading. They always need to make conscious choices to read during their free time, carry around a book, talk about personal reading experiences, or even join a book club. Leading by example is a silent but powerful way to motivate students. If you as the teacher believe something is enjoyable, than your students hopefully will feel the same way. Especially for me, I looked up to my teachers and wanted to be just like them. I believe that every child is like that. So to model what student should be doing, I will definitely be following Albert Einstein’s advice by setting an example.

When it comes to reading and writing, I want my students to know that our classroom is a safe place to make mistakes. Of course there will be books everywhere and of course I'll keep them up-to-date on what I'm currently reading. No matter the grade level, I want my students to be familiar with a wide range of genres--and the best way to do that is to read them, keep them present, and write them. As important as sharing reading with my students is, I also want them to see me as a writer. I'll share my work with the class, the good and the bad. I want them to view me as someone who struggles sometimes just like they do.

I also think that getting passionate is important--perhaps the greatest task of the job. To get excited about learning and about discussion is most impactful because it shows students to take their learning journey personally, to own it. That classroom is first and foremost "our" space; I don't want to be some dictator educator. So I want them to be able to feel like it really is theirs.

I 100% agree with the majority of the answers stated above. I think most importantly we, as teachers, need to model the behavior that we want to see out of our own students. Being open and honest is a great way to start that process. If the students know that their own teacher once struggled with reading or did not enjoy it very much, and they see them reading in their free time or carrying around a book, then they most likely take that to heart. Jordan made a good reference above about making the bed. If you are constantly on someone to make their bed and you do not do it yourself, then how do you expect them to take you seriously? The same is for reading. I behavior a successful teacher can create a successful classroom by always modeling the behavior that they expect from their students, inside and outside of the classroom. Children look up to adults so much, so it is important that we are always modeling behaviors in the best way we can.

I think this goes back to the idea proposed in so many education courses, that of the teacher as “an educated person”. Being a teacher naturally lends itself to being a role model and so I think that by demonstrating in class that you enjoy reading, that will encourage your students to read. Another strategy would include an informal book discussion by asking students to describe things from the books they are reading. Encourage back and forth discussion between not only yourself and the student, but also between students and peers. Engaging in a dialogue with their peer group about books raises the sense of reading as something communal and universal. Finally, I think it is the duty of the teacher to keep up on the current literary trends of their students and be able to talk with students about the latest popular book, these strategies when used together will encourage students to persistently practice their reading.

The question being asked sort of speaks for itself. If an instructor, or any adult for that matter, wants to be a good model of what they want their student or child to do, then they should do exactly that themselves. If an instructor wants their students to always have a book at their desk to read silently if/when there is time during the school day, then the instructor should do the same. I remember in 5th grade, we would have SSR every Friday, which stood for Sustained Silent Reading. At the end of each week, our class got to bring a book we were reading for pleasure to school, and we were allowed to bring snacks, pick a spot in the room, and read for an hour. However, my peers weren't the only ones to participate, as my teacher joined us every time. She would bring her own snack, pick a spot in the room, and curl up with a book just as the rest of us did. Simple modeling such as this really gives students a reason to believe that things like reading for pleasure can be fun and relaxing, especially when you get to choose the book you want to read.

4. I think I can model what I want my students to do just by my daily behavior. I think if my students can see my own excitement and enthusiasm for reading, they will hopefully follow. I want to model to my students that reading opens up a world of new ideas and knowledge. Reading is how we learn new things, hear new stories, and understand vast information. I think if my classroom is somewhere students can freely read what they want, and they can see how enjoyable it can be, then they will want to do the same. I want to bring a positive attitude about reading to help my students find their own interests. I want to make a point of reading by doing it on my own time. I think if I can make reading a huge part of daily class and really model that importance, then the desire to read will follow. I do not want to push children in the wrong direction and have them hate to read. I feel like I can model the best reading habits in my students by showing them how I hold those same habits. I think, overall, I need to show what I want from the students by providing them with a positive attitude and only the best influence I can give them.

Everyone's answer was well written. I have to say I agree with all of them.

I'm a sports nut and strongly believe in group effort, team spirit, and be a lifting hand to the person next to you. This is how I will view my classroom. Each one of my students will be different, unique, and at different levels from one another. However, my students are a team, not only in the classroom, but in the school. They are all learning at different levels, but each can be an example to one another. If one struggles in reading, math, or another subject that one of their 'teammates' should be there to help them, pick them up, and guide them to succeed.

I will model this in my daily behavior. I will show my enthusiasm, passion, and desire to learn, read, and exceed expectations. People tend to follow or believe in someone they can trust and count on. These people are not afraid to make mistakes, but will never give up and will always push forward. I hope to instill these characteristics in my teaching, which will carry over to my students.

I think that students can walk into a classroom and see tons of books and think, "wow, he/she must really love reading!" Most students see their teachers as role models and want to please them in any way they can. If reading is a common bond the teacher and a student shares, this helps the teacher model what is expected, and it helps the student show the teacher how much they respect their position. Also, having individual discussions with students about the book they are reading (especially if the teacher has read it before) can help show the student that their teacher is enthusiastic about the book and, therefore, they should be and will be too.

I will model what I want my students to do by having a positive attitude towards reading. This I have no problem. There was one statement that I feel is truly amazing. “Children love stories, which offer the escape of falling into unknown worlds and vicariously experience the lives of the characters” (Miller). This is one of the reasons why I love reading. It takes you to another world and opens your eyes. I’m hoping my enthusiasm will transfer to my students. I want my students to see me reading too. Just like them I will have a list of books I will read and re-read. If one of my students brings up a book I haven’t read I will read it. This will hopefully show my students that I care about them and want them to prosper in reading.

I can model what I want my students to do by creating a fun, positive reading environment. I think it's important that the fun aspect of reading is always present, so that all my students can find a passion for reading on their own. Also, I think it's important for me to read things at the same time that my students are, and post, or discuss, what I might be reading for the kids to see. That way, the kids can feel a sense of reading throughout the room, not just among the students. If I'm reading and talking about it, then they'll want to read and tell me about it.

There are many ways that I can model what I want my students to do, but I will only name a few. Reading this story really gave me a more broad perspective. I read to my boys almost every night and sometimes my older ones read to me. So, I thought I had a good idea of what I wanted to happen in my classroom concerning reading. However, after I read this story I realized I have quite a few things I need to tweak. One of the main things I would do is share my love of reading with the students. I would give them many options to choose from and help them build their skills. I would also let them see me read. I would share with them what I read and how I became a part of the story. Just like when I was reading Out of my Mind I often discussed with my boys how I felt and how I related myself to this story. Through that, questions were asked and interests were spiked. I really hope that I can model good reading skills for my future students.

I can model what I want my students to do by reading openly and sharing with them any new or interesting books that I find. I can talk to them about my books and ask them about the ones that they are reading. I have always dreamed about having a class book club if I ever teach in the upper elementary levels. It would be a voluntary group where we could share our love of books with each other. I feel like this would encourage students to read more seeing that it can be fun to love to read.

You can model what you want your students to do by giving them choices. You want the students to be able to pick out their own book and to have the options to read something different than their friend that sits beside them. If you have multiple options, there will be something for everyone. You want to have your students feel comfortable with you that way they will be okay with asking you for advice and suggestions. You need to allow time for reading in the classroom because if you don’t allow reading in the classroom they are going to believe that, there is no time for reading in school so why should I read outside of school. As teachers we also want to have an open mind and never tell the student that they can’t read a certain book. You need to see that there are multiple purposing for reading and that the student may want to read a certain book, just like you would want to read a certain book, so you don’t want to hold them back just because you aren’t open-minded. Modeling that reading is always important will also show the students that you also read outside of school and believes that they should do. You want to give them the most opportunity as possible to be successful in reading.

You have to build trust with your students so they value your opinion. Once they trust you and have a positive relationship with you, they will value your opinion on books for them and on methods to help them. You also have to model that you enjoy reading as well. Showing your students that you incorporate reading into your everyday life also is a positive model to your students.

One key way to ensure that your students do what is required of them correctly is to model it for them. This is how a teacher can set her/his students up for success. Let’s say for example I was teaching my 4th graders long division and one of my most helpful tips is to do each step for every problem. Well, I would have to do that as well. Even when I think the kiddos are not watching (which they always are) I would do each step every time. The same goes for reading and what Miller mentioned in chapter 2. Miller required her students to read 40 books by the end of academic year. She set the same requirement for herself. I know for me, one way I can model reading and how fun and difficult it can be at times, is to share my reading experiences with my students. I believe that sharing experiences is a part of modeling, too. So, if I read a book that I did not find interesting, I would share with my students and let them know that I will try another author or even genre. If I read a great series by an author, I will share the enjoyment I found in the book (s) .

The best way to model to your students is to show them how you do what you do. I will talk to my students about what I like to read/liked to read as a child. And how I would connect with the different books I read. I will encourage them to find a type of book or author they enjoy and read them in their free time. Or explain to them that even though I like to read, that their are sometimes books that I just don't like, and that it's okay to not like a book, but that doesn't mean you don't like reading. I would tell them that there is a book out there for everyone, and that I will help them on the journey to find it.

I think that a teacher's job is to lead by example. If you have a set classroom reading time I think that the teacher should read during this time as well. I think that a teacher should talk to the students about what books they liked when they were the same age as the students they are teaching. Teachers should tell their students that it is ok not to like every book they read but just because there is one book they don't like that doesn't mean that they won't like any book.