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Mattie Davis • Building a Community of Writers in a First Grade Classroom
Teaching Practice (excerpted from an interview) Continue reading
Mattie Davis • Building a Community of Writers in a First Grade Classroom
This site illustrates how a teacher in an under-resourced school located in a high poverty urban neighborhood works closely with students to build a strong classroom community and while teaching the mandated curriculum which emphasizes phonics and rote learning. Although she feels the press to adhere strictly to the district literacy curriculum, Mattie Davis is committed to teaching in a way that builds on the knowledge and interests her children bring into the classroom. While the program she is required to use is highly scripted and follows an inflexible pacing guide, she uses her deep knowledge of the students, their families and the community to teach the students in a way that is respectful and provides them with the support they need to grow individually and as a class. She teaches them the fundamentals of how to read and write in several different ways. Perhaps most importantly, she teaches the students in a manner that infuses her passion and theirs into learning, while quietly insisting on high standards. Regardless of district pressure, she is determined that “we’re going to continue to sing and dance no matter what.” . Continue reading
Mattie Davis • Building a Community of Writers in a First Grade Classroom
I’m Mattie Davis. I’m a first grade teacher at the Frederick Douglass Elementary School, which is in an urban setting in Philadelphia. Frederick Douglass is located at 27th and Norris Street with a majority of students who come from what folks might say are challenging economic situations. We are pre-K through eighth grade with a bevy of students who will challenge you in many different ways, but they keep you fresh and honest. Continue reading
Mattie Davis • Building a Community of Writers in a First Grade Classroom
The literacy block is a 120 minute period of time that consists of curriculum focusing on reading, writing, listening, speaking. With some exception, this site reflects this particular time in my classroom. However it's important to point out that I believe writing is a process, it’s not a subject, it runs across all disciplines. I usually integrate science, math and social studies more authentically. But what ended up being reflected on the majority of the videotapes on this web site is the literacy block. Continue reading
Mattie Davis • Building a community of writers in a first grade classroom
Developing rituals and establishing consistent routines is a central part of MD's classroom structure. Having students know what to expect and when is crucial for them to be able to participate in the classroom community successfully. "Children need ritual," is MD's belief, and she creates varied opportunities throughout the day to structure in not only consistent ways of participating, but ritualistic activities that require collaborative participation by the whole classroom community. As the video clips below illustrate, rituals can be brief as in the daily pledge and infrequent "check-ins." And routines can be found weaving together the curriculum, as in the ways that MD introduces the work of the day. While rituals and routines make it possible to function as a first grade community, once the structure provided by them has been established, the breaking of routine is made possible. Continue reading