Well, I must start by saying that I LOVED this chapter. I have enjoyed the whole book and have appreciated that it has allowed me to think about school and the goals I have for our reading program. It has been nice because this book has not caused me to feel stress or anxiety (as many do) but rather it has made me excited! :) I think that is likely because (as we have been saying) we are well on our way with many of the best practices shared in this book.
I particularly loved this chapter because I love to learn about reading instruction. When Heather and I started in our current positions, we knew we had a long way to go in improving our reading program at NES. We have come SO far over the course of the last few years. It is nice to read that what we believe to be "best practice" is affirmed in this book. I love that the book talks about the importance of the thinking/comprehension strategies and I love the emphasized importance on read aloud time. I really enjoyed looking inside the classroom of a great teacher and I think my favorite part was the detailed description of a solid reading program.
After reading chapter 3, what were your big "take aways"? When you think about yourself as a reading teacher, what do you feel are your strengths and what is the area you want to learn more about and/or become more masterful at this year?
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Chapter 2 - The Seven Structures of Best Practice Teaching
Chapter 2 discusses the seven structures of Best Practice Teaching. I loved reading about these strategies and realizing how many of them are already in place in our classrooms and are already considered "best practice" at NES. Look at the list below -
1. Gradual Release
2. Classroom Workshop
3. Strategic Thinking
4. Collaborative Activities
5. Integrative Units
6. Representing to Learn
7. Formative-Reflective Assessment
Looking at this list also helped me make a "priority list" of areas we need to work on. Which of these practices do you feel like will be your top priority in your classroom when school starts back? After reading about each one, which did you feel brought about the most urgency/desire to make changes in that area? Choose one or two and share your thoughts.
1. Gradual Release
2. Classroom Workshop
3. Strategic Thinking
4. Collaborative Activities
5. Integrative Units
6. Representing to Learn
7. Formative-Reflective Assessment
Looking at this list also helped me make a "priority list" of areas we need to work on. Which of these practices do you feel like will be your top priority in your classroom when school starts back? After reading about each one, which did you feel brought about the most urgency/desire to make changes in that area? Choose one or two and share your thoughts.
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