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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Let's cruise!


Tuesday's Slice of Life...@ Two Writing Teachers...

Who doesn't want to drive?
 



As we move into our fourth week of school now, I see and feel the pressure to put the keys in the ignition and get on the highway to learning!  Yet, all drivers know that going from 0-65 and hitting cruise control without doing some preliminary practice is extremely dangerous!  
  
And so it is with our kiddos and their learning...we must remember preliminary practice takes time...follow the prelims now to create safe and thoughtful drivers in the weeks ahead...

Some probably haven't even found a pair of keys to fit the ignition yet!  Help them find these keys so they can get started!

Some probably don't know the step-by-step way to prepare to drive-slow and steady wins the race-teaching sequential procedures now will pay off in the end.

Some probably aren't sure when to gas and when to break-teach them the difference now so this becomes automatic.

Some probably aren't sure of how to look in the rear view mirror-show them how to reflect!  Knowing what's behind us helps improve future learning...

Some don't know about the hazard lights-turn them on to signals that alert others help is needed!

Some aren't sure about putting it in gear-stepping on the break and shifting at the same time...doing both keeps our transmission from dropping-preventing poor engine performance.

Some need maps before they head out to drive-give them a map so they know where they are going-clear directions help us get there...

Some have it all going on-they are ready and just need the practice of the drive-try not to make them wait for ones who aren't...differentiate!

And finally, most drivers don't just get in their cars and take off, they have a reason to be behind the wheel-give a sense of purpose.

This is just me...self-reflecting on what my little drivers might need in the weeks ahead-maybe you've thought of some drive prep tips too...please share if you do!

Hopefully cruising on a highway near you soon!  It won't be easy, but we'll get there!



16 comments:

  1. What a great connection of learning to driving. They really are similar in so many ways. So many of our kids (and us) want to just "go" and forget the planning and preparation for our "trips." Perhaps, that is why so many of us (and our learners) get lost at times!

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    1. Yes, Anita, planning and preparation are keys to a successful driving experience.

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  2. What an awesome comparison piece. I know that some days I'm left feeling like I'm not the greatest driver...like this morning, I forgot my headlights. Loved the piece Amy, I'm sending it to my friends. xo

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    1. Thanks Nanc! Sometimes auto isn't so automatic...

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  3. It's wonderful that you can put yourself into these particular drivers' seats - and, how true, they need time!

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    1. Thanks Tara! Yes, time is indeed important to them...like Ruth's post, need to stop rushing!

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  4. practice, practice, practice.

    Thank you for the reminder. I will think of this piece when I take my teenager daughter driving, and when I teach my youngest how to write. Thank you.

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    1. You're welcome Pamela! Good luck with the teaching of driving! When my mom learned to drive, she put the car in the ditch-the instructor told her to get out of the car and go have a cigarette while he wedged the car out of the ditch...

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  5. What a great comparison! Love your thinking Amy! Very clever . . . now, continue to take it slow. We don't need any tickets!

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    1. Thanks for your advice Michelle-this is a "school zone". The lights are flashing slow down for good reason...literally and figuratively speaking, right?

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  6. Wonderful! I truly think that some of my students have not yet figured out the gift of "observation" (=look at your neighbor and see what they are doing). Maybe I will sit next to him tomorrow???

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    1. Yes, sometimes watching our neighbors to see what to do is a very good thing-what do they see? What do they really see?

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  7. This was so fun to read! I love the analogies you create. Your words ring so true. Thanks.

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  8. Amy, I thought you were talking about all the "Seniors" that drive around our town! I like your comparisons and how you related them to your kids. We all need to be more aware and slow down. Thanks.

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  9. Some (me most days) feel like they are driving in circles and aren't sure where the road goes. ;) Feel like I'm spinning in these first weeks but I know it will become more clear. Enjoyed your analogy!

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