week 2 assignment 1

Week 2 assignment #1

• On your Observational Checklist (PDF), note the Essential Components that are addressed during the first part of the shared reading activity. How does this activity engage students who are at different levels of literacy development?

The first task that the students participate in is a shared reading assignment. The students seem to be on all different reading and developmental levels. The students that are struggling are able to listen to their teacher and peers and try to mimic their language. The students repeat the words multiple times which allows good practice to enhance oral language and phonic awareness.

• During her explicit phonics lesson, how does Ms. Perez support students' problem-solving skills?

Ms. Perez helps to assist struggling students by calling on them to have them identify specific words and questions. She encouraged her students with positive reinforcement by saying how she enjoyed their hard work and effort.

• Based on what you saw in the video, what are the different ways that shared reading can be used to promote literacy?

Another way that shared reading can be used to enhance literacy is by spelling and rhyming patterns. The last word in a poem is to rhyme with the previous last word. This can keep students engage because it will challenge them to think logically.  

• Why does she think it's important for students to verbalize their strategies? What else do you notice about how she helps students build meaning in text?

The more that students express their ideas with others the more critical thinking and advancement will develop. As the students’ progress through the reading she will ask them questions of what they should do to overcome their obstacle.

• How does Ms. Perez organize her classroom to support a wide range of learners?

Ms. Perez separates the class in to group according to their academic level of development. Each group will work on activities that coincide with their skill level.

• How are reading and writing connected in classroom activities?

Students began with an activity that required them to read as well as take notes an making connections. Students that are struggling are required to write the words that they are having difficulty with.

• How does Ms. Perez use ongoing individual assessment to guide her instruction? How can the class profile be used to help group students and differentiate instruction?

Ms. Perez assesses each students individual reading skills within the first few weeks of school. She evaluates each student’s progression through the use of a portfolio. A quarter of the way through the year she reassesses their reading ability to review improvement of reevaluate different instructions that might be required. She designated specific book for certain reading levels.

• How can ongoing assessment be integrated into your own classroom practice?

I assess my students each week by implementing a quiz every Friday. At the end of each unit my students are assessed with the use of a unit test comprised of math regents questions. These assessment techniques allow me to adjust my teaching as well as differentiate my lesson to accommodate each students academic skill.