An Unusual Lens and a Second Pair of Eyes

This term I was challenged by one of my students in Reading Recovery. I found it hard to shift reading behaviours that I was observing. Observation and reflection on each child is a daily routine and a very significant part of the Reading Recovery Teacher’s practise and I  pride myself in thinking I do this well.

Marie Clay believed reflection begins with observation where she encouraged teachers to adopt an “unusual lens”. Observation is critical when it is used to inform decisions on further instruction, however, observation alone  is not enough. Understanding the significance of what we see is critical and this is where reflection on observation comes in.  There are two significant times we can reflect. Reflection on action is done  before and after teaching, which generally informs planning for instruction, and reflection in action which is the moment by moment decisions teachers make during instruction. The process of observing,  reflecting on action and reflecting in action becomes  a continuous cycle which is beneficial to both student and teacher.

 But as Reading Recovery Teachers we also have to take part in a collegial visit which basically means teaching either in front of a couple of colleagues or our tutor.  We refer to this as having a second pair of eyes. Once I got past the fact that I wasn’t being judged, I found it most beneficial and a very valued part of the ongoing training as a Reading Recovery Teacher. 

After going through the process of observing and reflecting with the challenge I was facing, I decided to resort to a tutor visit. While it is still a stressful process, I am so appreciative to have someone else have a look at both the student’s learning  and my teaching.  I learned that I too, after so many years of experience can fall into habits that go unnoticed and in most cases I also have found when a student isn’t learning, I need to look at my own practice. And sure enough, changes can be made.  Both my student and I are  back on track and when I hear statements like ‘“I’m never going to stop reading,” or “I love reading now”, I feel like chiming in, “well I’m never going to stop teaching!”