I like that this chapter gives us an idea of what an efficient reading classroom looks like. A good reading lesson starts with a plan. The teacher and
students are active participants. Great lessons begin with a focus lesson.
These lessons target skills or ideas that the teacher is bringing to the class.
I love this idea and use this approach in my math class. Students are then given the opportunity to practice. Students
read independently while the teacher monitors and conferences. Classrooms are
full of books of various genres and reading levels. Students are
learning to explore and appreciate various genres. Students are being exposed
to thinking and reflecting strategies. Classrooms have worked to improve
the stamina of independent reading. The teacher is monitoring. Students are
focused. After independent reading, students regroup for sharing.
Students share about a given topic or reflect on what they read with their
peers. I like how this strategy may hold the readers more accountable. They
will need to come back from reading with something to share.
Tips I gathered:
1) The successful classrooms are streamlining time wasters. Lining
up, morning announcements, changing classes have been worked to take up minimal
class time.
2) Children are being taught to choose books wisely. This may mean the teacher picks three books, and then the student chooses from those by personal
interest. I think this would be helpful.
2) Teachers provide reasons to explore different genres ,give support to students as they read various books, and look to find which genres they favor.
3)I like that the reading classroom is a very fluid environment. Students
and teachers are constantly adjusting to meet the reading needs of each
other.
If I do go back to being a core reading teacher, I hope that I
am to juggle all of this. I worry about our older students moving to middle
school with low reading / comprehending abilities. Higher level textbooks are
tough. I hope that elementary schools will continue to use pull out programs
to help these students.
Does it make you want to teach Reading again? :) It is exciting to read about methods and classroom practices that are making time and energy more effective. Miller's ideas are definitely needed in many classrooms today. Without meaning to, we do waste time every day . . . and without meaning to, we miss out on really knowing our students because we don't like change or are unwilling to try something new.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are able to relate some of what you are reading for this class to what you do in reading. Really, these practices DO apply to all subject areas.
Your tips are insightful, concise, and helpful! Such targeted instruction can help students succeed as readers in their classrooms!
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