The book Choice Words by Peter H Johnson challenges teachers to think about the words that they say because teachers have such a powerful influence on how children see themselves. Teachers undoubtedly are a very influential part of child’s life. The words that teachers say (and don’t say) influence a child way beyond the time that he or she is in their classroom. For example, my daughter is in the second grade; she has vivid memories of all of her teachers. She remembers their character and how they made her feel. She has a positive attitude about school and loves to learn. As a mother, I am thankful for the teachers that have poured into her life. In the same way, I want to be a positive influence to my students. A big idea that stood out to me while reading Choose Words is that “Children in our classrooms are becoming literate. They are not simply learning the skills of literacy. They are developing personal and social identities-uniqueness and affiliations that define the people they see themselves becoming” (22). Wow!! The words that teachers say and how they say it matters. They have the power to help shape how …show more content…
As I have learned how to conduct writing conferences, I know that the words that I choose to use will greatly impact my student’s learning. Questions such as, “What are you doing as a writer today?” will challenge my students to see themselves as writers and be able to think through their process of writing. (25) In addition, while teaching number talks, I have asked the question, “How did you figure that out?” (31). This shows the student that I care about what they have to say and how they solved a problem. I have learned in all the readings this semester and in every class how important it is to be student-centered. Using choice words is all about being student-centered to help the whole child: intellectually, socially, and