Kendrah's c/4 Reflection- Graves

I found Chapter 4, Organize the Classroom for Writing, very beneficial. The chapter starts off when Mr. Bangs tells his story of how he used to manage his classroom. Mr. Bangs was a man of discipline. He felt that in order for a classroom to have structure, the teacher needed to have structure in his or her teaching. He told the children what to do and when to do it. He realized that he needed to let the children have responsibility and to not depend on him for instructions all the time. So, Mr. Bangs decided to change his old ways.
In order to change his classroom, he first started with small group conferences, which consisted of 3 to 4 students. Mr. bangs realized that the other children would interrupt frequently because they were unsure of their actions. They wanted to do it the way Mr. Bangs wanted it. So, Mr. bangs made a rule that no one will interrupt when conferences are in process and that the children will find ways of their to solve problems. He had to find classroom routines to benefit himself as a teacher as well as his students.
Mr. Bangs realized that his job wasn't quite over yet. After he noticed that the room could run reasonably well without him, he introduced peer help. Instead of him asking the questions about a piece read, he slowly gave the responsibility to the students. They were learning how to ask questions about writing, how to be specific, and how to help themselves. Eventually, the class realized that they were accomplishing together.
I think this was an interesting chapter. I wondered about my own past experiences in classrooms. I wondered if my class was a herd waiting to be told what to do or if we accomplished together instead. I'm thankful that Mr. Bangs decided to share his story, I am more aware of what actions I will take in my own classroom. I want my students to listen to me but at the same time be independent. I hope to use this type of classroom management one day.