I have spent the last three days talking with teachers about maximizing the effectiveness of time spent with students during guided reading lessons. The teachers I have been working with are fantastic, and I am so excited about our conversations that I wanted to share some insights. We know the importance of planning a laser-focused book introduction based on the needs of the students, and we also know the importance of planning a follow-up after the reading in order to solidify the learning. As students begin to read, however, we venture into unknown territory. This is the time for teachers to observe...
Read More Post a comment (0)As a former teacher, I would wake up eager to see what my day would bring. Between fire drills and runaway hamsters, my classroom was never boring. Now that I have moved into the role of an educational consultant, things have not changed. The life of a traveling consultant is always rewarding, sometimes hectic, sometimes frustrating, always busy, and NEVER boring. Just like a typical classroom, every day is different and full of surprises. I am often asked about the most unusual training session that I have conducted, and I never hesitate when I respond. This training took place a...
Read More Post a comment (1)As the school year begins, assessment is on everyone’s mind. As a former Reading Recovery teacher, I feel strongly that running records are the best measure of a student’s reading performance, as well as the best way to analyze a student’s strengths and weaknesses as a reader. I am often asked if it is appropriate to give running records to English learners. It absolutely is, because this assessment provides us with valuable information about how a student is processing text. We must, however, keep a few things in mind: Some English learners may need more time for processing, as they may...
Read More Post a comment (6)
