Session+7

1. Discuss the need for multilevel, flexible, and small –group instruction. Small group instruction is so critical for the success of some students. Having your large class of students broken into small groups, based on their strengths and weaknesses helps you work with students that are on the same ability level. The groups should be flexible because students work and learn at different paces and if a child is really succeeding and surpassing the other members of the group ability wise, they need to move into another group. This way they can learn as much as possible. It also works the other way. If a child is starting to really struggle, they need to move to another group of students with similar struggles. The students enjoy working in small groups, not matter what they are working on.

2. List and discuss the importance of professional development in literacy in all content areas. Teachers need to understand that literacy is not just something that should be taught in English or language arts class. Literacy needs to be taught in all subject areas. Many teachers do not understand this concept. It is different from what they learned in college or at previous professional development opportunities. It is up to the school district to provide adequate professional development, so all teachers learn and understand the importance of teaching literacy in all subject areas.

3. Explain and discuss the importance of approaching reading and writing as a developmental process. Reading and writing need to be taught as a process. Students cannot read words without any background as to how to read. You need to start with the alphabet and move to sounds, then move onto letter combinations and sight words. The same with writing. Students cannot write words if they don’t know the letters or sounds. By starting there, the students “Kid Write” words phonically before they learn how to spell word correctly. You can’t run before you crawl.

4. Discuss the importance of teachers learning more about their students as readers and writers. Teachers need to know the ability level of all of the students in their class. By learning what the students are capable of as readers and writers than the teacher is able to push them further ahead and teach them what they need to know to succeed. If teachers do not know the ability level of the students in his/her class, they could never build their students into successful readers and writers.

5. What are your thoughts regarding the link below and the set up of a differentiated classroom and lessons. I think that differentiated instruction is the key to helping struggling readers. How are students supposed to learn or catch up, if the class is constantly moving ahead to harder, more challenging topics? How are students supposed to read if they don’t know the simple phonics rules? In my classroom, I do exactly what the paper outlined. I have flexible groups and we have guided reading every day. Some groups read ability level books or do word work with me. While I am working with one group the others are working on simple centers. By helping the lower ability students, you can catch them up on areas they struggle in and you can help the higher ability students move right along.