Learning Without Boundaries 01/07/10
"Back when I first started teaching, we used what was called a basal reader. Basically, it was a collection of stories. We would read to the entire class, or we would assign the same story to everyone at once. There would be a lesson attached and usually some kind of worksheet. We always had the good readers, the average readers, and the struggling readers. Typically they were grouped according to their ability, and they pretty much stayed in those groups. We worked hard to help kids learn to read, especially those who had a hard time. It was frustrating when kids didn't progress very quickly or didn't learn to love reading," said Wales Elementary first-grade teacher Lynne Mayer.
The most important difference between the way Lynne teaches now and the way she taught when she began is that she has so many books in her classroom, all at different levels of difficulty. One of the key things that has come out of the research on reading is that the best way to help children grow in their abilities is to have them read lots of books that are at their just right developmental level.
"When I used the old basal, the story was way too easy for some kids and way too hard for others. Now I match books to kids. Children learn how to choose books that are just right for them, and the kids go 'shopping' for books every week. Instead of just reading for about 15 minutes and then going to a different work station (often to fill out a worksheet),
"My first-graders are now reading books that are appropriate for them for 35-40 minutes every day. While they are doing that, I walk around and engage in conversations with students to find out what reading strategies they are using and what lessons I can plan to help them grow. Then they form partnerships and share ideas about their story's characters, plot, setting, or just favorite juicy parts. This builds a natural sense of excitement, engagement, and accountability for their reading. The end result is that my students' love for reading and growth has increased significantly," said Mayer.
The instructional model that allows for all of this to happen is called Reader's Workshop.
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Posted Wednesday, Jan. 25 |
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Photo of the Week by Scott Ash:
MANY HATS - Kathy LaShelle from the Town of Merton tries on a handmade hat from Jo's Feltz at the Delafield Winter Market on Sunday, Jan 15. The market is an indoor farmers market and craft fair located at the Delafield Fish Hatchery on the third Sunday of each month through April.
News or Feature Story of the Week by Joe Trovato: Area school districts jump into WEA lawsuit
Design Layout of the Week by Matt Colby: What a difference a day makes
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Do you have news or an event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it!!
- Winterfest Gallery
- Habitat for Humanity Welcome New Board Members
- J&J Construction Lake Country Receives Three Awards in Annual Remodeler Competition
- Hamilton Band Boosters hosts Italian dinner Feb. 15
- Maple Avenue fifth-graders donate to ASPCA
- Templeton Home & School sells Fun Pasta
- "Fall in Love with the Arts" at the Delafield Arts Center on Saturday, February 11, 2012
- St. John's/St. Paul's Girls Basketball
- Park View Students are NFL Finalists: Vote for Triple Threat Chefs!
- Marty Stuart with Opener Suzy Bogguss
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