Looking across Chapters 10 and 11, which of the understandings and strategies in the comprehensive literacy program are you already addressing/doing with your students (or have you done, or do you plan to do)?
Currently, I am already implementing many parts of the comprehensive literacy program in my first grade classroom. Last year, my reading block consisted of read-alouds, guided reading groups, inquiry, and sustained reading. Sometimes I incorporated these into science and social studies, as the push with common core is to integrate these subjects with reading. In writing, I implemented model writing, individual writing conferences, sustained writing, journals, shared writing, and inquiry.
After learning the many benefits of the comprehensive literacy program, I would like to implement more of the components of the program. For reading, I specifically would like to look into incorporating reading conferences. I have learned a lot about these from the articles I read for my comprehensive literacy project on reading workshop. The majority of the articles focused on the importance of meeting with your students individually. This is a great way to gain assessment information about each of your students. For writing, I would like to look more into guided writing. On page 238, Weaver provides an example of what guided writing would look like. I like how for this portion of writing, the student is told to orally give sentences to use in his or her writing. I also like how the computer is used as a strategy to help the student reread and edit his or her work easily. I think this is a great idea for all students, but specifically with students who struggle with writing. I know often times, after reading a student's work, he or she would have to erase and rewrite a large portion of their writing. This often discouraged the children to write, because they would have to start all over. Giving the child a computer to revise their work will make changing anything simple and easy.
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI also want to implement reading conferences in my classroom next year too! I believe that the reading conferences will give me and my students more information on how I can help them improve whatever skill they may be lacking in. I loved how Weaver gave examples of each of the components of the comprehensive literacy program. I even learned a different way to use a journal. My class mostly use them for closings, note taking, lab reports, etc. They can also use them for writing down their feelings throughout the day. That would be a great behavior management tool. It will also teach the students how to be creative.
I like your idea of using journals as a behavior management strategy. I have had some challenging behaviors in the past, so journaling would be a great idea!
DeleteI also found many ways to incorporate more reading and writing strategies in my classroom. I completely agree with you on the use of the computer for students who struggle with writing. At times you can almost see their confidence diminish as they erase word after word. Using a computer to write will help to keep their confidence up because all they need to do his backspace and the need to start over will be no more.
ReplyDeleteI too said I wanted to incorporate reading conferences in my classroom. I have done writing conferences but not reading conferences. I think students would benefit so much from being able to talk about the books they're reading. It would really excited them about their books and encourage them to read more.
ReplyDeleteI like that you incorporate so many techniques while teaching reading and writing. I think adding conferences to that would be very beneficial. Not only can you gain more information on the students’ strengths and weaknesses but it is also a time that you can better get to know the students and make a connection. So much instruction is done in a whole group and small group setting. I think the students will also feel validated when their teacher takes the time to meet with them one on one.
ReplyDeleteI also like the reading conferences. I do meet with the students sometimes and discuss what book they are reading but it is more of a guided reading type group. I would really like to meet with the students individually to discuss their reading. I also like the idea of using the computer as a tool for struggling writers. i never really thought of it that way but that would be an easy way for them to correct their mistakes while incorporating technology into the classroom.
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