Reading Block Makeover

Each year my goal is to improve overall as a teacher so that my students can learn more. I am on my 4 th year now....I have built on my previous goal each year and I am loving growing as a teacher but mostly I love to see my students grow through what I have learned!

My Yearly Goals:

First Year: I survived ( I tryed really hard but looking back....it was survival)

Second Year: New Math Series so focus a lot on improving Math instruction/ Daily Five

Third Year: New ELA & Writing standards..... writing was a huge focus last year

Currently: Breaking away from "cookie cutter instruction mold" and developing engaging, standards based instruction during whole group and small group reading.

Whole Group:

Before: Everyone sits on carpet. I use a powerpoint to click through and teach the lesson. Although I used some whole brain learning...there wasn't as much student interaction or hands on learning

After:

We still come to carpet but sit in a big circle which includes me sitting "criss cross applesauce" on the floor too. Technology as a tool through online videos to introduce our weekly question.I rotate days using A few vocabulary games and comprehension skill video. We stand, sit, move, and are engaged! We do group and partner activities to practice our phonics skill and high frequency words. Each day is different and everyone is learning.

Small Group

Before:

I always made sure my student we're learning. I followed the teacher guide to direct my small groups. Skills were taught but I'm not sure how much students enjoyed their small group time.

After: I still review the teacher guide for ideas, along with the current standards, and combine them with fun, engaging, and motivating activities.

Lots of reading for a purpose. They may be looking for facts about a topic or searching for a particular word that matching a phonics skill. You will also see a lot a writing or recording their learning. Last but not least fun accessories... Mini finger lights, funny glasses, sticky notes......