Edutopia – Ruth Calkins
“Once upon a time, not so many years ago, most teachers stood in front of their classes and talked at their students. That’s less common now—classrooms today are more student-centered, with students driving some of their learning while teachers act as guides. This can be a challenge in any classroom, but it’s particularly challenging in kindergarten. Kindergartners are new to school, and although they do love to talk, they don’t always know how to discuss what they’re learning, either with a teacher or with each other. A kindergarten teacher must work with students on counting, reading, and writing, but just as important is teaching them how to talk with—and listen to—others about what they’re learning.” (more)