The following are the strategies that I have implemented at one time or another: Read Alouds, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Sustained Reading, Inquiry-reading to learn, Individual Writing Conferences, Write Alouds, Shared Writing, Inquiry-writing to learn, books on tape, Reader’s Theater, and phonics.
Due to the nature of my classroom, we do not currently do the activities that require more student independence. In my current classroom we have a Reading Circle in the middle of the day during which we do shared reading, write alouds, and phonics: chunking with onsets and rimes.
During our calendar time in the morning, we do guided writing with language skills to build sentences about pictures and scenes. The students who are ready for guided reading, are pulled once a day for comprehension work with adapted materials.
In the afternoon, we have a circle in which we do a read aloud from our themed book of the week, often supplemented with audio/visual activities on the white board.
We have a listening center where the students listen to books on tape, a reading center for sustained reading (usually with adult support), and we have a writing center where handwriting and fine motor activities are practiced with adapted materials until they are ready for guided writing with visual prompts. My students all participate in these activities but most require adapted materials and additional prompting/support.
I am pleased with the strategies I have been implementing, progress has been made in every instance based on the student’s current functioning and goals and objectives.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your classroom routines. Wow, you do use a lot of Weaver's strategies! There were some areas that I know I did not implement, such as inquiry. I would really like to work on that.
I like the idea of the reading circle each day. Your guided reading time also sounds very productive. Which types of books do you read during your themed read-aloud? In my reflection I discussed Judy Blume books during read a loud time. I should probably branch out a little, but year after year, the students seemed to really enjoy them.
I am so glad you are pleased with the strategies you have tried so far. If they are effective, keep on!
Your day sounds interesting when it comes to the activities you do. As teachers, I think a number of us have used these components. I like that you work with you students who are ready for guided reading once a day for comprehension. Just wondering do you do the same for lower students as far a working with them all once a day. I wouldn't think there's enough time in the day. I know they may not get the same exact instruction but I ask because I am curious to find out what type of centers or activities you do with them. I
ReplyDeleteJust wondering, what grade to you teach?