[rlee1296]

I am placed in a first grade classroom and I am about to take over my teacher's position in 'Word Study.' I am fairly confident about this transition and I feel that I will do a good job at it. However, sometimes while with a small group, I am so focused on making sure I get everything finished on time and maintaing classroom management, that I often go blank when trying to ask follow up questions. I know what I should be asking, but I just don't seem to have a good flow with my questioning. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to maintain a line of questioning that isn't so choppy as well as coming up with some way to not be so worried about asking the wrong question???

[MissESL]

Keep a discreet list of ideas somewhere nearby. I did that for awhile and pretty soon follow ups became second nature. It is definitely a challenge to anticipate what you will get back, but it is much easier to think on your feet if you have something to help you out until you get used to doing the subject at hand.
For me, my problem area was reading! I was so bad at useful follow up questions for awhile. Keeping a list really made things easier on me. :-) Good luck!

[harley]

When I student taught I did what the previous poster suggested - I kept a discreet list in my teacher book, and it helped so much! I put mine on a ring and had questions for each level - from the knowledge to evaluation etc.... I could just flip them. The P at the school where I did my intership had handed them out one day in a faculty meeting. I bet if you ask around you might find someone who has a list you can copy. Have a great time - I remember it well and with fond memories!

[hjmcdani]

As a student teacher myself, I always write down questions when I am reviewing stories making my lesson plans. It just makes me feel more comfortable knowing that I don't have to "think on my feet" (at least in this aspect)! Also, I know that I am hitting all the appropriate levels of thinking questions!

[rlee1296]

Thank you so much for the suggestions!!