Wow! Dr. Allington is a very open and straight to the point speaker. He had very strong opinions and expressed his feelings with honesty. He does not believe that a program can actually improve reading. He encourages teachers to teach with all they have learned and to not rely on the use of a step by step program. Dr. Allington told us that very few reading programs actually have accurate research to prove they are successful. He stated that there are 6 things that every child should do everyday to become a better reader...
Every child reads something he or she chooses - Allow students to choose books that they like AND can read. This is in addition to books that are selected by their teacher.
Every child reads accurately - Many schools have increased the time spent on ELA but increased time doesn't mean that students are allowed to read books where they can be successful (98% accuracy or better). Students need to spend time reading texts that are not too challenging. Reading books where they can be successful increase the likelihood that they will become better readers.
Every child reads something he or she understands - Allington and Gabriel say that, "Understanding what you've read is the goal of reading. But too often, struggling readers get interventions that focus on basic skills in isolation, rather than on reading connected text for meaning."
Every child writes about something personally meaningful - Most times students are asked to continue sentences after a teacher prompt. Allow students to pick the topic and write about it. Yes, there are students who will struggle finding topics which is why it is important for teachers to brainstorm with their students.
Every child talks with peers about reading and writing - Provide students time to talk with one another about their reading and writing.
Every child listens to a fluent adult read aloud - Listening to an adult who reads fluently increases students' own fluency.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
QR Codes and Booktalks!
During a mini session with Alice Ozma we learned how to incorporate interactive book talks into our classrooms using the ever popular QR codes! This inspiring session reached out to students who can take too long to find a book to read or for students that like to return a book after very little page turning. With book talks, students can listen to two-to-three minute presentations their peers have given on books they've read. After listening, students will know why others enjoyed it and will have a clearer idea if the book is something they are interested in. Ms. Ozma explained how easy and painless the process is to begin shooting and uploading videos for student book talks. She also explained how to link videos to QR codes and informed teachers of the many places QR codes can be placed. We cannot wait to begin inspiring our students with 21st century book talks!
LeVar Burton
LeVar told us stories about his mother being a school teacher and later a social worker. She was always helping others to learn and to believe in themselves. She encouraged LeVar to get a good education to help him be successful in life. LeVar treasures the time his mother spent reading to him. He created Reading Rainbow as a way to reach out to all children through the use of media. He always looked up to Fred Rodgers and believed he was very successful at using media to read to children. LeVar has developed a Reading Rainbow app for iPads and is continuously striving to make the show more technologically applicable for 21st century learners. He was a terrific speaker. We feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to see him in person at the IRA Conference.
Learning Experience Has Been BIG in Texas!!!
What a great experience this had been collaborating, planning and reflecting with such a great group of teachers. Having the opportunity to share ideas and strategies with teachers represented from all schools was phenomenal. This time together allowed us to work toward a common goal: meeting the needs of all students. We feel fortunate to have had the support and encouragement from Cindy and Patti. We would like to say "thank you" for providing us with this exciting experience.
Musical Fun for Phonics
This session on teaching phonics through music and movement, offered great ideas to motivate and capture the attention of students. Implementing these fun and engaging activities will help students "break the code"of early reading.
Dinah Zike's Foldables
Using 3-D foldables is an interactive, student-made graphic organizer that is based upon a particular skill being taught. It's a kinesthetic activity that helps students to organize and retain information. They can be used as a visual for a study guide, to conduct research or for formative assessment. This is a great way to replace photocopied sheets with student generated print. (Grades K-12)
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Write fix: Researched Based Intervention for Struggling Writers
Prior to Common Core Standards, writing had fallen to the wayside because it was no longer included on our end of grade test. Now it should be pushed to the forefront of each and every classroom with the changes that have been made in our curriculum. This session highlighted intervention techniques that support students who have difficulty writing. An easy to implement model was presented that keeps struggling and reluctant writers in mind.
Alice Ozma...Author of "The Reading Promise"
Great presentation by Alice about doing book talks and using QR codes to link our own students book talks to library or classroom books.
Watch this CBS interview with Alice to learn more about her book...
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-20061247.html
Watch this CBS interview with Alice to learn more about her book...
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-20061247.html
Digital literacy
Sooooooooooo excited about all of the AWESOME iPad apps and lessons that successfully incorporate technology! The presenter suggested that effective teachers find ways to integrate technology with the standards to enhance their lessons.
Literacy work stations
An awesome session today was presented by the one and only DEBBIE DILLER!!! She is the author and master of literacy work stations!! Her session helped us gain a better understanding of how centers and work stations are TOTALLY different!!! Stations help to build independence and collaborative discussions!
Literacy Coaching: How To Be a Powerful Agent For Changing the Classroom
In this session we learned several successful literacy coaching tools and practices to improve literacy instruction in our schools. The presenters shared an observation tool for collecting data on classroom environments and teaching. We watched short video clips of teachers instruction and practiced identifying teachers strengths and areas of focus.
Authors Galore
We began our morning by listening to Rick Riordan author of Reading Myths and the Myths of Reading. He discussed ways to motivate reluctant readers who are hesitant to pick up a book.
Co-Teaching: Leading the Way
We went to several great sessions today. We have had a busy day of sessions and our brains are fried! We are overwhelmed with all of the new ideas that we are excited to bring back and share for implementation in our classrooms.The first session was Co-Teaching: Leading the Way. With our classrooms being more diverse than ever before and inclusion becoming even more challenging with the implementation of the Common Core Standards this session provided us with the tools for collaborative success. We gained many ideas about how resource teachers can become part of the classroom to implement strategies to meet the needs of all students.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Word Study Follow Up
In the word study afternoon sessions the authors of Word Their Way demonstrated several research based word study activities and emphasized the importance of word study being implemented in k-8 classrooms to minimize gaps in literacy. They have now published Vocabulary Their Way for middle school which is embedded during word study time. We have many activities to bring back and share with all k-8 teachers.
Literacy Leadership
"All teachers can lead! Most teachers want to lead. Schools need their ideas, invention, energy and leadership"-Roland Barth
Words, Words, Words
In a Words Their Way session with Donald Bear, the author of Words Their Way. Great stuff!!! He is reinforcing why word study is so important in all of the elementary classrooms. Hope to walk away with many word study strategies. More to come....
Thursday, April 18, 2013
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