Success Breeds Success

One by one they jumped in to share their little writers' success stories.  Some read students' writings they had bought. I could sense the enthusiasm and excitement building up in their voices.  I could feel their sense of pride in the air.  Chills ran down my spine, when for a second, I reflected upon the fact, that this was the same group of teachers from last year.  What had made the difference? 

My heart filled, at the realization that, "I had made the difference!"  I started with one teacher willing to open her classroom door to me.  We co-taught for six weeks and experienced success with our students.  The word spread.  Then, it was two teachers.  By January it was half of the grade level.  This year it was the rest of the grade level.  Today, almost in unison, they echoed their praises to our collaboration, planning, and hard work at building relationships.  They echoed their praises at excellent teaching!  The winners?  Ultimately, our students!  The children!  Success breeds success!  Coaching through co-teaching works!

The Rewards of Coaching Through Co-teaching

“Oh, my goodness you have to see Steve’s writing, Mrs. Snell!  Maybe this is one that you should read to the class during share time today.  It has amazing voice to it!  You know 'voice' is very difficult for young children to grasp.  Children need to hear other children’s writings to understand what we mean by “voice.”  Steve did an amazing job!  I am so proud of him.  Look!”  Mrs. Snell’s jaw drops, as she hears me bursting out of my skin, as I read Steve’s writing to her.   She then whispers in my ear, “Oh my, this is the child that usually hates to write.  He writes absolutely nothing most of the time! I can’t believe how motivated he has been!”

What made the difference?   Team work and collaboration between the coach and the teacher, and CONFERRING DAILY with this child, that’s what made the difference!  Children feel their work is valued when you encourage them EVERY DAY, and act like their writing matters.  When we make it a DAILY routine to have writing conferences with writers about their writing, they know we care, they want to please, and like Steve, they take pride in work that they never even knew they could produce.