The biggest idea that I came away with from reading this, is that every moment counts. Routman challenged teachers in a workshop to think of the top five things they do to ensure students become excellent readers. I really thought about this and decided to come up with my own list. My first thing I do is 1) I read to them, 2) I let them choose what they want to read, 3) I give them time to read, 4) I let them read to me, and 5)I integrate reading into other areas of study. Like Routman, I plan to revisit it from time to time as I become a better reading teacher.
In an effort to make every moment count, I have teamed with Mrs. Lorraine Walker. She has been coming in and helping me with reading groups. I feel like this will help me to have more one on one contact with the students. My students really benefit from reading with me and sharing with me. I look forward to working on my list of top five things to help my students to become better readers.
This is the January/February Blog.
ReplyDeleteAllison - having been in your room numerous times, I know you want every minute to count. I think it is great that you take the time to evaluate what you are doing to really see if it is what will help your students become better readers and learn to love reading as I know you do.
ReplyDeleteHi Allison,
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you and Lorraine are collaborating to implement small reading groups in your classroom. I agree with Lorraine that it is important to consistently reflect on not just what we are doing, but if it is working. Routman's chapter definitely promotes critical reflection and change in practices in order to ensure that students are engaged in meaningful reading and writing.