Chapter 1

When I read professional texts, I like to Double Entry Journal, so most of my responses will be in that format...hope it makes sense!

Pg. 4 – “We need to suspend our preconceived beliefs and judgment each time we meet a student, to assume that every child is capable.”

We have to meet children where they are and know that if we do, they can and will succeed. Children take on so much of what we do as teachers – if we are enthusiastic, they are enthusiastic, if we make ourselves vulnerable and authentic, they will make themselves vulnerable and authentic, and if we believe they can succeed, they will succeed.


Pg. 4 – “When I conduct a residency, I insist that all children be included in the classroom—the special education students, the English language learners, and those with behavior problems—and that I not be told who they supposed “special” students are.


I wish all guests in our classrooms felt this way. I had a guest teacher in my room one day that completely turned our classroom community upside down because she did not treat each of the students as capable and equal. It took me weeks to gain back the trust and respect of one of my students because I “allowed” our community to be broken by a stranger. It is unbelievable how quickly the confidence of a struggling child can be shattered and how long it takes to build it back up once it has been.


Pg. 4 – “…it’s only when we see what kids can do that we raise our expectations. We don’t realize that we’ve got it backward.”


We sure do have it backward. I truly believe that students will only live up the expectations we have for them. From the beginning, we have to show them that we believe they can and will achieve great things…and they will! We can’t wait for them to show us they are capable – we need to show them that we know they are up front. When students feel validated, encouraged, supported, and believed in, they will be the risk takers they need to be to succeed.


Pg. 7-8 – Story of Kathy


How sad it is for the students who don’t get noticed like Kathy did. All too often our students slip through the cracks, and that is absolutely unacceptable. All of our students deserve to get the attention that Kathy did. As hard and time consuming as it is, we have to do what it takes to make sure that every struggling child gets the help he or she needs.


Pg. 9 – “Students immediately pick up on whether or not we view them as capable.”


This is so true. I can’t agree enough that we have to show children we believe in them and hold high expectations for them. Who wants to do anything for someone that doesn’t believe in him or her? Who is willing to put forth effort for someone who doesn’t expect much?


Pg. 11 – “Kids are kids.”


In my school we have academically gifted classes and regular education classes. I teach a regular education class, but when people ask, I say, “I teach gifted kids; they just aren’t state identified.” Kids are kids. There is no doubt about it. They will rise to our expectations – “gifted” or not. I think it is important for teachers, parents, and students to understand this. I hate labels. The kids come into my class already thinking they are not as smart as some of the other students in the grade, and that just isn’t true. They are every bit as capable, but it is hard to get them to rise above what they have already been conditioned to think of themselves. We have to make them feel as capable and successful as we know they are and can be.


Pg. 13 – “It is our own vulnerability and honesty in our storytelling and demonstration writing that helps kids feel safe to take a risk when they write.”


Some of my very best student writing comes after I am open and honest in my own writing in front of my students. When they see my process, my struggles, my questions, my feelings, etc. they know that it is okay for them to feel and think those same things, and they are willing to take risks and be open and honest in their writing and their conversations with me and each other.


Pg. 14 – Immigration letters


What an authentic writing experience for these students! I think it is absolutely essential for us to find ways for our students to write authentically and to have that writing validated. Students need to feel that their work is purposeful and meaningful in order for them to keep interest and enthusiasm throughout the process.