[MOSAIC] Nancy Atwell

[BilsCntsa at aol.com]

This is what I love about this list and others, the ability to reflect and  
question and ponder. I have been really pondering about this whole topic and  
listening to different perspectives. Sometimes I wonder if we lose sight of the 
 purpose of the strategies. I have always used them as a tool, not a skill. I 
 think if I taught them as a skill I would be interested in seeing them apply 
it  more, but it being a tool, I can only watch to see if they use it to help 
 them.
Just like when I teach them strategies for decoding. I don't expect them to  
use those strategies with each and every word, or every text, I look for them 
to  use them when needed. I do see some of the strategies help to "enjoy" the  
process of reading more, and absolutely to help with conversations about 
books. 
I am getting ready to present a workshop with two other teachers. They are  
from another school, and I was just introduced to them. As we began to plan, I  
stated that I would like us to begin with metacognition. They didn't want to, 
 said it would take away from what teachers want, that they want the lessons 
and  ideas. As I listen in on and reflect on our conversation here, I find it 
even  more important. Maybe that is what is missing with some teachers who are 
 "teaching" the strategies. We forget the purpose, and forget to teach the  
students the purpose. As I think about what they want to present, I think they  
want to show the strategies as skills, not tools. I may be wrong, but it does 
 have me wondering. 
I appreciate this discussion, sometimes other's thoughts  clarify my own 
thinking. 
Terry/Fl/2



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