Questions, questions...

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Home : 2002 : February : 10

Questions, questions...
By Kathy Westermeyer

I would concur with what has already been said. It seems to be characteristic with this age to be "checkers." They want to "get it right." (Remember the line from Beverly Cleary when Ramona was 8--"She was at the age
where she depended on accuracy from everyone, including herself.) Third graders are much more concerned with this than their younger counterparts--but still not fully secure in their own abilities.
It takes time and patience, but they can become more independent at this age. Some things I've found that helps:
#1 Each child has a notebook containing all classroom procedures. I refer

them to their notebook for procedure questions.

#2 After giving directions, I review with the class. So what will we do first? Then next? Then what happens? That helps fix directions in their minds.

#3 I turn their questions back on them. "I'm done. What do I do?" *** "Where do we put finished papers?" *** At this point the student usually smiles sheepishly and puts paper in correct spot.

#4 We follow Susan Kovalik's ITI in my class and since problem-solving is one of the "LIFESKILLS", I try as much as possible to encourage them to solve problems on their own. "I can't find my pencil?" *** "How will you solve that problem?" I usually go on with my business signaling to them that I have confidence they can solve this themselves. (And they usually do!)