Instruction
Spelling Program
The program I have set up for spelling is differentiated and student centered. At the beginning of the year I assess the kids on the Fountas and Pinnell Grade 1 word list. This assessment shows me which words the students have not mastered.
Next, I give each student a personalized list of words that consist of all the words they were not able to spell. This list is what they will use to complete their weekly word work in their literacy center time.
During center time, students must choose the next 5 words on their personalized list. They are required to complete a choice of 3 activities to practice the words. Then they have another student test them on the words.
After that, their friend will mark their test and words that were not spelled correctly are automatically added to the word list for the following week. The activities and tests are checked by me and then sent home.
The students are loving it because it gives them choice and independence. I love it because it’s differentiated and students aren’t studying words they already know.
Next, I give each student a personalized list of words that consist of all the words they were not able to spell. This list is what they will use to complete their weekly word work in their literacy center time.
During center time, students must choose the next 5 words on their personalized list. They are required to complete a choice of 3 activities to practice the words. Then they have another student test them on the words.
After that, their friend will mark their test and words that were not spelled correctly are automatically added to the word list for the following week. The activities and tests are checked by me and then sent home.
The students are loving it because it gives them choice and independence. I love it because it’s differentiated and students aren’t studying words they already know.
Readers Workshop
Every morning after a short read-aloud the students have 20 minutes of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) time. This is a time of the day they all look forward to. During this time I meet with individual students to listen to their reading and suggest the next step in how they can improve.
Following the SSR I teach a short mini lesson that will focus on a skill that will help them become good readers.
Following the SSR I teach a short mini lesson that will focus on a skill that will help them become good readers.
Writers Workshop
The Writers Workshop always begins with a short mini-lesson in which they are taught a skill that will help them improve their writing. At the end of the mini-lesson, the students move on to independent writing during which they are invited to use the skill that was taught during the lesson. The students love to write! The enjoyment they get from writing stories is inspiring.
Assessment
Formative Assessment
In my classroom formative assessment occurs every day during every lesson or activity.
During a lesson I pe use simple techniques, such as thumbs up or thumbs down to determine if students understand.
In my classroom formative assessment occurs every day during every lesson or activity.
During a lesson I pe use simple techniques, such as thumbs up or thumbs down to determine if students understand.