Module 4: Activity 2

Which NRP topic area(s) or �missing pillar(s)� that Allington describes do you find to be most vital for children�s literacy success? Why? Post your response on your blog. Name the posting "Module 4: Activity 2."

From the missing pillar article, I feel that a balanced approach to teaching with whole class teaching, small group teaching, and side-by-side instruction is the most vital strategy for children's literacy success. These are the parts of a comprehensive literacy program. All students differ upon ability and the way that they learn. Having this approach will allow all students to learn. The whole class teaching allows for many things to occur to model proficient reading. For example, in a comprehensive literacy program, a student can see an example of how to read fluently and with expression during the read-aloud portion of the program. Whole class discussion of this read-aloud can also allow students to bounce ideas off of each other and may have them see something from the text differently. Small group teaching allows students to receive more one-on-one time with the teacher. Typically small groups in reading take the form of guided reading groups and literature circles in a comprehensive literacy program. Students are given the opportunity to show how they can read. The teacher can listen and help the students with whatever individual problems that they have. Side-by-side instruction in a comprehensive literacy program looks like reading conferences. This is a great way for a student to talk with the teachers about problems that she or he is facing in reading. It also allows for great discussion about the book the child is currently reading.
For me, I feel that this strategy from the missing pillar article is most vital for a children's success, because the strategies are all a part of the comprehensive literacy program.  These different types of instruction allow for students to see a demonstration of reading and then implement what they learn into small group times or side-by-side instruction. These different methods allow the children to truly succeed in reading.