After our meetings and discussions, the outcomes of our study group include the following-
What participants have done differently in their classroom:
- I have added a more formal literature group during my reading block. I now have specific jobs that each student has in their group. I introduced this by everyone reading the same chapter and then taught them the jobs. Then the next chapter book I assigned was grouped this time by ability. They have more time to share verbally what they have read and they have a writing component.
- In my classroom I have incorporated many ideas we discussed in our study group. Some of these ideas included the websites we discussed during our technology session as well as many of the suggestions about what literacy centers work.
- I have:
* added different websites in my repertoire of computer activities they can choose from
* creating and adding ways to keep better anecdotal notes on students writing and reading
* included more reading aloud to students
- Meeting with this group has really changed the way that I view the reading block and center time. From my discussions with the group, I have realized the importance of the children having plenty of time to read, instead of doing "busy" work. I still have centers that I think are important and reinforce my instruction, but I've also incorporated time to read chapter books. I meet with my reading groups and discuss the chapter book they are reading. Eventually I'd like to incorporate Literature Circles, but that will come in time.
Effect on student achievement:- My students are becoming more independant and enjoy the chapter books that I have selected.
- My students seem to be more engaged at literacy center time and I think they are more beneficial to them. It no longer seems a waste of time. I also think that with the new technology generation it is important to keep the kids up to date on educational websites that can give them more practice or reinforce what was taught in my lessons.
-I am not sure it has had a direct impact on my population as of yet. It was great to be able to hear what general education students are capable of and also those that are lower, but not classified. I was able to put some expectations into perspective for me. It gave me a clearer idea of where students should or could be functioning. It will also give my mini-lessons direction as I am keeping better notes on their needs and strengths.
- I seem to have more and more students that enjoy reading. In reading groups we choose books that seem to peak their interest. When they have independent reading time, the children are choosing chapter books that they sit down and read. My students have seemed to make great strides in their reading. When we had the 25-week DRA's, I was pleasantly surprised that all of my students were at benchmark. I'm thinking that my change in activity/philosophy has contributed to this.
What other educators can take away:- I think my other educators took away at least 20 web sites that coinside with target reading skills, and other subject areas.
- Teachers learn so much from each other and throughout this study group I have learned so many ideas and suggestions that other teachers use. I have tried to visit their rooms to see how things work. I think sharing with each other gives people a sense of accomplishment and pride. It also gives many people adult time and time to reflect on what they are doing.
- As I stated above, it was great to hear what general ed. teachers are doing in their rooms with higher students and with their students who are struggling. From the group, I have brought back to my classroom some ideas and new insight in how to run small reading and writing groups. It also gave me new ideas for doing authentic writing with my 2nd grade students.
- Hopefully other educators can take some of our ideas and incorporate them into their classroom. The sharing of ideas seemed to be very beneficial for all this study group's participants. We have all noticed changes in our students and in our own teaching.
