Students are starting to give more as they answer. I still get a lot of listing items and specifically students listing multiple items. Willingness seems to be better as students get used to our routine. I have scaled back our time on the rug since several students get "squirrelly" the longer we sit. I am trying get them to build endurance as we sit on the rug.
*Should I allow one student to list and list several items that he or she finds in the image?
*Should I limit students so that others get a chance?
Individual responses are richer or at least for kindergarten, we have gone beyond one-word answers.
I have noticed that the listening portion is an area we can work on. I feel I am making progress at paraphrasing statements. I have some students repeat and name items that have already been addressed by many students. It leads me to believe that they are more focused on participating than listening to others.
*How do I build their listening skills? I have to remind myself, they are only 5 and 6 years old.
I think students are learning that they are "thinking". Students are starting their statements with "I think...". Students are also comfortable with no right or wrong answers. Students are not corrected. Students are free to say what they think and I believe they recognize now that they are "thinking" by their current statements.
Definitely limit students' numbers of responses so that all have a chance and explain why. We have a few "spotlight hogs" on the Boy Writers' Club and that's what we do. If we forget, they could go on for hours! Yenawine also says that repeating answers is perfectly fine for the little ones and developmentally appropriate.And I like your interpretation about their focus. The listening to others will come with practice as well.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I just wasn't sure if I should limit them. Thanks so much for your help.
ReplyDeleteI listened to Mary's introduction to VTS a few times in the last couple weeks, and she has included to only share one response at a time. I will also start implementing this into my intro before every VTS session. I'm glad your students are getting comfortable!
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