Let's Reflect.....
We have learned A LOT in the last few weeks. Let's take a week to reflect and answer the following questions.
Of all that I have learned,
What can be implemented tomorrow?
What do I need support in to implement moving forward?
Be honest..... We will learn and support each other through our responses:)
Rebecca Minerd
I definiely feel like we can all continue to build background knowledge of text . Using literacy skills in the content areas is important because our students often struggle most with informational text. This is a great way for them to be exposed to reading skillls in all classes.
ReplyDeleteMoving forward, I think we should have discussion about what each grade ( and support teachers ) need to use for phonological awareness/phonics instruction for the upcoming school year. I think we need to look at what we have as a school and see what resources we might be missing. Also, maybe get with an existing school that already has these resources and collaborate on how they are using them most effectively. We also need to continue to stay updated on Science of Reading/ Ga Laws regarding dyslexia.
I really enjoyed the article about the importance of repetition for student learning. I shared this information (the numeric range, not the groups) with my students to help them understand why we have a daily math and language spiral. It was interesting to hear their thoughts as to the number of times they felt they needed repetition with new content and previously taught material.
ReplyDeleteGoing forward, I am looking forward to the continued conversations and sharing of thoughts as a school and as a school system.
For me, in ESOL, I am already implementing the 5 Pillars through Lexia. This pleases me because this strategy hits home with me. I believe this combined with providing background knowledge is highly effective. As Angela shared, many of us do share background knowledge through pictures and discussions more than we probably realize. Being aware of it and "kicking it up a notch" by using a KWL chart on our reading/text topics would also be extremely beneficial in fostering more background knowledge.
ReplyDeleteContinuing this mode of PL by reading and sharing conversation is wonderful support. We just need to be sure that we are providing well-balanced, consistent, and yet differentiating support for our students.
What can be implemented tomorrow? Repetition & Background Knowledge. I think that these are two of many important elements in teaching that are needed for our students to be successful. Repetition will continuously be implemented into the classroom, like Lisa, I will share with my students the chart about repetition. I think this gives them a sense of ownership towards their learning. They won't feel reluctant about asking for directions to be repeated OR the fact that they need directions repeated multiple times. As a teacher, it gave me a sense of hope that my students are learning and that repetition is needed; and not just a sign of a student that's not listening. Content rich vocabulary can be implemented across the curriculum, and I can give Cold Reads that relate to that topic to see how well that student understands the content & has retained the information in the lessons - now that they've had it taught across the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteMoving forward, I will continue to differentiate lessons to help my students become successful at the level that their own & continue to have conversations with my colleagues about research, as well as what they have found effective that worked for them in the classroom.
I agree that background knowledge is something that could be implemented tomorrow. I like the idea Ms. Dalman mentioned about using a KWL chart to help with intentionally building background knowledge, in addition to showing pictures or diagrams. As someone mentioned last week, building background knowledge doesn't have to take that long - just having a discussion, looking at a picture or diagram, or starting a KWL chart for five or ten minutes can be beneficial for students and help them to better understand a text.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed these weekly blog posts especially the conversations that have arisen! I have already implemented increasing repetition. Moving forward, I will ensure that my struggling readers have additional opportunities to hear and read text multiple times. I am also increasing time and exposures with vocabulary words to increase the word recognition and comprehension. I agree with Bynghum, that I feel like I was repeating myself too much when in fact I might have not actually been repeating concepts enough.I look forward to utilizing more background knowledge and repetition in my teaching to assist my students' overall comprehension.
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much the past few weeks and really enjoy learning along with my colleagues. What can be implemented tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteSince learning new information about how students truly learn to read and the science behind it, I have implemented explicit phonics instruction along with the other pillars of reading-fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Though I was doing all of this before, I am much more deliberate. I am focusing not just on teaching, but reviewing and increasing the repetition to ensure that the students are learning.
What do I need support in? I have received tremendous support on my learning journey. I have been given opportunities to explore new resources (Secret Stories) and to attend professional development courses. I do not think I need additional support currently.
These weekly blog post have really expanded my knowledge and brought my focus to several topics that we have discussed. Something that can be implemented tomorrow- I was extremely shocked at the statistics on repetition we found in Can You Repeat That?? Working with struggling learners and students with learning disabilities, I feel like I repeat myself alot. When I read that some of my students need 40-200 repetitions I realized I was not repeating myself nearly enough. This was implemented in my classroom the very next day, repetition is proven to be so important. Like many others said above, I felt like I was repeating myself enough, but studies have proven that I need to repeat the material many more times.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I always enjoy reading about and having PL on is the 5 pillars of Early literacy. I have mentioned this before but I wish I would have been taught more depth about this while in school. I implement this in my classroom but I would love to receive more training on this or have the opportunity to go to Orton-Gillingham training to gain more knowledge. I have been so grateful for the shared resources and information shared by others but I think It would be so beneficial for me to also continue receiving knowledge in this area.
I also agree with many, a huge thing this Blog brought to this group was collaboration and discussion between the the elementary band. I believe that we already had some of that to an extent but this has encouraged it and sparked collaboration in all areas! I have enjoyed the ideas and resources benefited from these blogs each week.
I have loved the professional conversations these blog posts have initiated. Of the things we've learned over the last several weeks, I think the quickest things to implement right away is the repetition of new material and increasing background knowledge. Our professional conversations in addition to the course work I've been doing for the reading endorsement have greatly increased my knowledge base.
ReplyDeleteI really feel like we've completely rewritten the format for professional learning, and I love it! I hope other educators jump on board with this idea. Mrs. Minerd, maybe you should teach a class at GAETC next year sharing this new twist to professional learning via blogging!
After reading the articles and listening to the podcasts, I think that continuing to help students with their phonic skills, including blending syllables and segmenting whole words into syllables, is something that we can continue to do with students to help them with learning how to become proficient readers. I agree that we should continue to also build background knowledge of text so that students are able to reactivate what they already know and be engaged in what they are reading. It is also important to consider what we may need support in moving forward. If we continue to follow the research that is out there about the science of reading, then we will be able to stay on top of how we can best help students to become successful with reading comprehension and their overall learning because reading is such an important skill to have for many different subjects.
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