ARTIFACT: I chose my commitment to balanced literacy presentation for this artifact. I feel it represents what I have learned about balanced literacy as well as how I will be using what I have learned with students and teachers.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: Before class, I thought of balanced literacy like the four blocks literacy model. The four blocks literacy model incorporates guided reading, self-selected reading, writing, and word study into the literacy block. These blocks would get equal time in the literacy block of about 30 minutes each in the primary grades.
During class, I developed a new understanding of the meaning of balanced literacy, much of which is included in my commitment to balanced literacy artifact. Balanced literacy has many facets that include:
STANDARDS:
Standard #6 Teachers communicate well.
The balanced literacy class taught me to use a variety of techniques to communicate with our students both verbally and non-verbally using instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and support interaction in the classroom.
Standard #7 Teachers are able to plan different kinds of lessons.
In this class we read the book “The Best Practice: Bringing Standards to Life in America's Classroom” which discussed the Seven Structures of Best Practice Teaching. The structures taught how to teach with a variety of different kinds of lessons. Many of these structures as well as a variety of multi-media approaches were also modeled by our instructor.
IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING: Students are benefitting from the knowledge I gained in a few different ways. Some of them through direct instruction from me. Others, through the teachers I am coaching.
First, I am using the gradual release of responsibility in my lessons more explicitly. During tutoring as well as larger groups, I model on the board spelling concepts using a metacognitive strategy in which they can show their thinking. Then, we practice a few together using that strategy, followed by an opportunity to practice a few on their own with feedback. While teaching study skills, I demonstrate a variety of ways to study, followed by practice with me, then with a partner in the class and finally at home on their own. Many spelling and vocabulary grades are increasing for the students who have put into practice the strategies that have been taught in class.
Second, students are benefitting from the coaching I do with teachers. After I model in class specific procedures for teachers to demonstrate for the students, I follow up by having the teachers teach similar lessons and provide feedback as needed. I have noticed students increase their use of the procedures and accuracy when encoding words.
Third, students benefit from working collaboratively. Other than when I am assessing students, I allow them to work together discussing concepts such as, why vowels are long or short and how that effects the syllable type. I watch a lot of “Aha moments,” when they are discussing these ideas with a friend.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: Before class, I thought of balanced literacy like the four blocks literacy model. The four blocks literacy model incorporates guided reading, self-selected reading, writing, and word study into the literacy block. These blocks would get equal time in the literacy block of about 30 minutes each in the primary grades.
During class, I developed a new understanding of the meaning of balanced literacy, much of which is included in my commitment to balanced literacy artifact. Balanced literacy has many facets that include:
- The 5 pillars of reading, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.
- The understanding that how you teach is as important as what you teach, such as including multi-media presentations during instruction. Some examples of these can be found in my artifact.
- The importance of using the Best Practice Principles from "The Best Practice Principles: Bringing American Standards to Life in America's Classroom"
- The Essential Elements of Balanced Literacy
STANDARDS:
Standard #6 Teachers communicate well.
The balanced literacy class taught me to use a variety of techniques to communicate with our students both verbally and non-verbally using instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and support interaction in the classroom.
Standard #7 Teachers are able to plan different kinds of lessons.
In this class we read the book “The Best Practice: Bringing Standards to Life in America's Classroom” which discussed the Seven Structures of Best Practice Teaching. The structures taught how to teach with a variety of different kinds of lessons. Many of these structures as well as a variety of multi-media approaches were also modeled by our instructor.
IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING: Students are benefitting from the knowledge I gained in a few different ways. Some of them through direct instruction from me. Others, through the teachers I am coaching.
First, I am using the gradual release of responsibility in my lessons more explicitly. During tutoring as well as larger groups, I model on the board spelling concepts using a metacognitive strategy in which they can show their thinking. Then, we practice a few together using that strategy, followed by an opportunity to practice a few on their own with feedback. While teaching study skills, I demonstrate a variety of ways to study, followed by practice with me, then with a partner in the class and finally at home on their own. Many spelling and vocabulary grades are increasing for the students who have put into practice the strategies that have been taught in class.
Second, students are benefitting from the coaching I do with teachers. After I model in class specific procedures for teachers to demonstrate for the students, I follow up by having the teachers teach similar lessons and provide feedback as needed. I have noticed students increase their use of the procedures and accuracy when encoding words.
Third, students benefit from working collaboratively. Other than when I am assessing students, I allow them to work together discussing concepts such as, why vowels are long or short and how that effects the syllable type. I watch a lot of “Aha moments,” when they are discussing these ideas with a friend.