Liz Arizona ! EDS 190! October 18 2013!

3:2:1 Interactive Modeling, Assignment 1!

The book Interactive Modeling, by Margaret Berry Wilson (2012) has a few big ideas that are helpful for new teachers. One big idea that is apparent relates to the saying 'practice makes perfect'. As the book explains the importance of modeling, letting students practice a good behavior/ transition by watching, possibly practicing individually, and then practicing as a whole group; it is also emphasized that the teacher should be practicing how they will model this behavior to the group as well. In doing this, the teacher prepares themselves to teach these behaviors instead of 'winging it', giving them the ability to work out some of the kinks that this activity may have, making for a clearer lesson that is easier for everyone to benet from. Another big idea is seen in the quote "interactive modeling is designed to encourage cooperation, not drone like compliance" (Wilson 2012, 26). In other words, using interactive modeling in the classroom is not about making children into rigid, policed students. Instead, it gives teachers and young people the tools needed to have a safe and well structured learning environment which they are actively part of. In addition to these themes, another trend seen in the rst two chapters in this book is that interactive modeling should be fun. Even when mistakes are made, Wilson reminds the reader that these activities are meant to be enjoyable for both you and he kids. Wilson even explains that as you use these techniques more and more with your students, they get better at each part and you all tend to enjoy the exercise more.! I do have a few questions about using the interactive modeling routines in my classroom. One thing that I wonder about is how to get students actually interested in these activities. I see that the model says to explain the importance of the activity to the students, but I'm not always sure that this will bring students in. How can I help my students to feel connected to the activities being modeled if they do not feel that they are important or fun? What would be some good ways to adapt this model to different cultures that are less individual based and may do better with collective modeling?! One way in which I can use this interactive modeling technique in my classroom is by practicing for small group activities. So far, I have seen very little small group activities in class, so I'm not sure that the students really know what is expected of them for these. I am planning to do a number of small group activities when I am taking a more active role in lesson planning, so this would be a great way to integrate interactive modeling into introducing my teaching style to the kids.