Assessment 11/19/2012

Lose: A Child's Response to Intervention Requires Response a Responsive Teacher of Reading 

This article was very eye opening regarding the necessary qualifications and dedication that a teacher must have to help a child's literacy development. The IDEA allowed 15% of funds to be spent on Special Education funds for Early Intervening Services (EIS) and support professional development and literacy instruction. RTI stands for Response To Intervention and can be used without labeling students at risk for school failure as learning disabled. Through research, its been discovered that literacy issues will surface after one year of learning in school. Assessments must appropriately explore a child's multiple knowledge sources and literacy experience. 

The main conclusion that I got from this article was that individualized teaching is crucial to a students improvement if they are low performing. Different paths will be taken by individuals when it comes to learning to read, which is why it is imperative to tailor the lesson to his or her needs. The What Works Clearinghouse looked into effective reading programs which encompassed four key domains: alphabetic, reading fluency, comprehension, and general reading achievement.  What are some ways that you think a lower performing student can be helped?  

Guided Reading Article

Guided Reading in the Primary Classroom

By Mary Kreul

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/guided-reading-primary-classroom

Guided Reading is a component of a four-block reading program that consists of self-selected reading, shared reading, writing, and working with words. Guided reading is when the teacher facilitates small groups for students that are beginning readers. The goal of guided reading is to help students begin to use reading strategies independently such as context clues, syntax, word structure, etc. The process of guided reading will be carried out before, during, and after reading. For before reading the teacher should make predictions, introduce vocabulary, and talks about appropriate reading strategies. For during reading the teacher should give prompts, allow proper amount of time, and give clues as needed. For after reading teachers should strengthen comprehension skills and provide praise for strategies that students used during the reading. 

Guided Reading is something that I remember my teachers doing in the classroom and it made me much more interested in the reading content. It is very helpful for students to be knowledgeable of the vocabulary that will be used throughout the reading and can give them a confidence boost. Guided Reading, in my opinion, is the best teaching strategy for beginning readers. 

Real Life Observation Blog

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8112157.stm

How do you keep students attention while you are reading aloud? 

Today I sat in on a second grade reading classroom at a local Knoxville school. We are all aware that young readers can have such passion for reading, but they can also be squiggly in their seats! I was curious to see how a teacher might keep the students attention as she reads aloud to them. The teachers started by giving each student a vocabulary chart which listed a few words that the students would hear in the reading. The class as a whole then completed the chart which had the definition, a synonym, and an example. The teacher had placed her students in rows, besides three disruptive students who were individually spread out in the very back of the classroom. At one point, a student sitting in the very back got up and threw away her vocabulary chart and the teacher never noticed! 

Once they had completed the chart as a class, she asked them to open their books and place their finger on the first word. As they began to read, she walked all around the classroom and was sure to help guide students fingers if they seemed to be struggling. A problem that I continually saw were students looking around, one fixing his shoe laces, and two even standing up away from their desk! The teacher was looking down reading the book aloud and did not even realize these students were not reading along with her. 

I was so glad that I got to experience this class reading. It really got me thinking of ways that we can keep young readers focused on the passage. I feel as if it is better to have the class sitting all together so you can closely monitor each student instead of spread out throughout the classroom. What are some tactics that you have in mind to help keep students attention? 

Blog on Vocabulary for Nov. 5th

Vocabulary Lessons, Educational Leadership 

Blachowitz, C.L.Z. & Fisher P. 

Vocabulary is such a HUGE concept in our daily lives. Our homes, schools, and teachers all have helped to expand our vocabulary. According to this article, research has shown that many preschoolers receive little support for vocabulary growth in their lives. As an educator, you can help give the child the growth and development that they need and might not be receiving from home. An example in the article of ways to help with vocabulary is a "world wall," just like we have in our own reading education classroom. Another helpful strategy for expanding vocabulary was choosing a wide range of books for your students to read. By having your students read different types of books, they will then gain more vocabulary. After your students have read these books, have them participate in a book club or guided reading circle. 

What are some activities that you did in grade school for Vocabulary? Will you use these same activities in your classroom, why or why not?