Next year, you will be teaching in a school where the vast majority of students did not meet standard on your state's criterion-referenced test and where more than 75% of the students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. What are some specific universal literacy strategies you may implement to ensure students success? Include both in-class examples and things you could do outside the classroom.
First, I believe the most important aspect of literacy instruction is to read to and with my students. Modeling how to read and reading alongside students teaches them about print and language which are necessary for becoming fluent readers. Students who are read to at a young age have shown to be more successful in school. Children need multiple opportunities to interact with print as they learn to decode words and practice comprehending text. Reading to and with students should also be done outside of school. Parents can have a profound effect on their students' education simply by reading with them at home.
I would also ensure that students have access to age appropriate books. This starts by allowing students to visit the school library and having ample amounts of books in my own classroom library. Students need constant access to books that will encourage and support them as they read. I want to develop life long readers in my classroom by giving them the resources and opportunities needed.
Another strategy I would use is building background knowledge. Before guided reading, shared reading, or read alouds, it is important that students have the appropriate knowledge to comprehend the text. This can be done by a short lesson to introduce a book, enhance a picture walk, or open up a discussion on the main topic of the text. Students comprehend a text better when they have the background knowledge to relate to what they are reading.
Your ideas are great. I also believe that for children to read, they must have good models. While some students may not be read to at home, it is vital that we, as teachers, are that model for our students.
ReplyDeleteMadison,
ReplyDeleteI love all of your ideas. I too believe that the most important aspect of reading instruction is reading! I think it is so important for students to be in "just-right" books. When students are reading on their level they continue to grow with comprehension and fluency. I wrote in my blog about the importance of parental involvement. If parents are on the same track then studies show that the students will be more successful.