Structure is good
From the Leslee Allen post
As an advocate for play, playful learning and dramatic inquiry people are often surprised I also advocate for structured literacy and math. Many people feel the approach is boring and is all about drill and kill. The reality couldn’t be any further from the truth. During the structured times of our day, my children are hugely engaged, they love it, they love the success, they love the rhythm, the familiarity, they love the competence they feel. Everyone I talk to about structured approaches says the same thing, for some children it’s the favourite part of their day. So if an argument being presented to you is that explicit, structured teaching is not engaging, you can put that argument in the fake news box.
My whakaaro:
I think as far as this term has gone, we have seen the benefits of structure in our curriculum - and it isn't boring! There is the structure, routines - the things we do daily, like phonics. But to see the passion of the tamariki and their excitement around attaining more learning has led me to believe that structured literacy and maths has a real place in our rooms - right alongside the play.
It is amazing to see the learning being incorporated into play - like writing letters for the letter box and practising letter sounds and formation while they write a letter for mum.
Totall agree here Whaea. It think learning is what WE (teachers )make it. I feel that yes if you were a robot teacher and had no colour, joy of fun during this time it would be boring...BUT because it is structured you CAN have fun with it- does that make sense?1? You have the "list" of what do do so you can introduce coloured felts, stamps, cutting, tiles, magnetics, whiteboard- all sorts into the tactile learning. With Structured Reading the children are in such a rountine I think it is comforting for them- especaily those with high learning needs or with very busy brains. They know wha tis coming and that Im not asking them to read 4 pages of text then do...then do... then do..It is very safe learning and collaborative. Amesome stuff Whaea it would be great to come and watch this amazing work one day!
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