What's your point?

I was frequently asked growing up by my dad, "What's your point?" and he wasn't referring to my long rambling stories (although I do talk A LOT).  He was constantly asking about my intention. Why was I doing what I was doing? In my writing, was there a point? He didn't stop there, he also would ask how I was going to accomplish my intention and how I would know if I did.  Did I do what I set out to? I'm sure it won't surprise you when I tell you that my dad was an educator, and in my biased opinion an exceptional one.  

This question of "What's your point?" runs through my head frequently.  Admittedly, I didn't always teach this way. There were many days in the beginning of my career when I would realize that although I had done a lot of "stuff" I hadn't actually accomplished anything specific or intentional. Now don't get me wrong, sometimes the intention is simply to have fun, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. However, if at the end of your week you can't list the things you did with intentionality, I think there may be a problem. 

The typical teacher has children doing a lot of "stuff".  How is what I am having children do creating readers and writers?  - Regie Routman

This quote is at the beginning of the Daily Five resource book.  It really got me thinking: How can we as educators ensure that we are teaching with a point? How can we ensure that not only we know what our intention is, but that our students do as well?  I have seen time and time again that when students know the reason why they are doing something, they are more likely to buy in and engage, and if we are honest so are we.

So with my dad's voice in my head, this year we are changing a few things in our teaching in the Lit Pit. We are going to explain to our students why they are doing each lesson. It is our hope that our Love to, Learn to, Choose to Mission statement becomes imbedded in our lessons and more importantly imbedded in our students and in our teaching!

Thanks DAD!!

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