Module 4: Reading Reflection

Looking across Chapters 10 and 11, which of the understandings and strategies in the comprehensive literacy program are you already addressing/doing with your students (or have you done, or do you plan to do)?

After reading chapters 10 & 11, I realized that I was already implementing a comprehensive literacy program in my own class. Each day during snack I would read Junie B. Jones aloud to my class. This was a time when I would demonstrate how to read with expression. As the Weaver states, "reading aloud introuces more complex situations, sentence structure, concepts, and vocabulary." I found this to be very accurate within my class. Every day I met with four guided reading groups where we discussed appropriate reading strategies. Each student was actively involved in all discussions, and we focused on using higher order thinking skills. Sustained reading was also practiced daily within my classroom. I feel that when readers are taking action and getting involved in the reading process they are more excited to read. They felt confident and picked up to "read" any book that was available on the bookshelf. They enjoyed it, and I saw thier confidence of reading soar.

One thing I would like to implement more of within my classroom would be holding individual reading conferences. I tended to meet individually for assessing, and I felt there was little time in order to allow for each student the opportunity to discuss thier personal reading habits. However, we did discuss personal reading habits within guided reading group. I felt it really difficult to meet with each student. Next year, I am going to strive to meet at least once a week. I feel that this strategy will greatly improve my reading instruction while motivating my students.

As a teacher with a diverse class, I would love to implement specially recorded books. I have a lot of ELL learners and I fell that this strategy would really improve thier reading skills. This reading strategy will guide them while reading with expression while allowing them to build up reading fluency. I think this is a great idea. Weaver gives several resources in order to implement this within any classroom.