Reading

Early Literacy Reading Instruction in Mrs. Berthiaume’s class

Reading Aloud

I model reading and inflection of voices. The children develop using different voices when they read the story. They also learn to enjoy listening to stories and reading.

Shared Reading

I demonstrate early strategies of reading through shared reading of big books and simple reading texts. I demonstrate the process of reading. The children learn to read by predicting text and telling what makes sense.

Independent Reading

The children are encouraged to read books when they are done with their work. This builds independence and self-confidence as they find words or letters that they know.

Guided Reading

During the reading instruction I guide the students to use reading strategies to figure out words. I also teach the students the rules of decoding words.

Interactive Writing

Every day I use demonstrate how to write words and sentences on the whiteboard. The children help me by telling me to make letters capital, spell words and add punctuation. They have learned to do this when I talk through the writing process everytime I write. By making the process non- threatening and fun, the children learn to write and spell.

Independent Writing

The students have written in a journal or writer’s notebook since the first day of school. At the beginning of the year I explain to the children the stages of writing. I tell them that I expect them to write like Kindergarten or First Graders. I tell them that to “write” means to use scribbles, pictures, labeling with letters, inventive spelling or words. However they write, as long as they can read it to me, it’s good writing. Writing everyday provides an opportunity for students to express themselves and to become independent. It also encourages creativity.

Partner Reading

The students read with a partner and are encouraged to give positive praise to each other.

Parent Connection

Parents helping their child at home is an essential part of learning to read. Children need the parent to support them and to encourage them to read. By reading to their child or listening to their child read, children gain confidence in their ability. The way to learn to read is to practice, practice, practice.

Assessment

I listen to children read and document their progress. I use that information when planning future lessons. I also use checklists and digital video to document student progress.