In the third grade classroom, the teacher does a whole group workshop with them. They start this by doing a "Step up to writing prompt" where they write a short 'essay' or a letter. Then, they have a work book activity to do. After this, they work on the computer for forty minutes. Basically, during this time, my cooperating teacher takes advantage of the fact that I'm there by having me make copies and laminate things for her. I actually kind of like this, because I get bored walking around watching the kids on the computer. I also have gotten a feel for what the faculty does during their free time because the copier and laminator are located in the teacher's lounge. It's cool to hear them talk to one another, and sometimes I'm even involved.
The 4th/5th grade is separated into centers. They start off in whole group, where the teacher does a "step up to writing" with them. Then, they are separated into small group, when they work usually in workbooks, computers, when they do Read 180 and System 44, and independent, when they do independent reading. The latter is the group that I usually work with. Last semester, I would have the students read out loud to me, but now that they know me, and the teacher trusts me, I get to work specifically with students. I do oral clozes with them every Tues/ Thurs. I made them each individual folders to keep track of their progress, and I'm actually hoping to use their success in portfolios of my pre-professional work!
That's awesome that you are working with the same students as last semester! It's such an advantage to already know them; how they learn, what they are capable of and how they behave. It must be great to be able to pick up where you left off, instead of having to get a whole new feel for a new class. The thing I love most is how you are not only able to practice improving oral reading skills, but also keep track of the students' progress in their own individual folders. It's such good practice and will be great in portfolios!
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