Reading Essentials: by Regie Routman Ch 10 Examine Guided Reading
This chapter was reassuring and eye-opening as well. Once again, Routman explains to share
thinking and this time during guided reading they can share their
thinking. I love that she reiterates
that the groups should be based on needs and interests and yet, our students
should not be stuck in the groups. In my
class, the groups are flexible with students in a group that is based on their
ability. At the same time, that student
may go to another group that day as well in order to challenge their
thinking. However, I do not usually
think about interest and that may be because in the lower grades, phoneme
awareness and fluency seem to drive my flexible groups. I can see rethinking that for those ready to
move on from the beginning stages of reading in the early years.
The challenges of meeting with each group has always
perplexed me. It is a relief to know,
that some days every group just does not meet.
The use of integrating the guided reading with the content areas is
huge. Not only is it beneficial for
reading and writing, but to meet the needs and high expectations in the
sciences and is a necessity in order to grow in those areas as well.
Having taught Kindergarten for several years, it is nice to
know that others recognize the pressure and changes that have come about in
this grade. High expectations are a must
have and so are the expectations to explore the environment of “working” at
building with blocks, painting, acting out stories-puppet shows…. I love that Routman recognizes the need for
these activities.
Cheri, it's great that you incorporate flexible grouping into your schedule. Allowing students to move based on their needs is truly responsive teaching. You are also very strong at using integration to teach reading in your content areas. You're right, this is not only helpful in literacy instruction. It also helps students make connections between subject areas which leads to authentic learning experiences.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheri,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the ways that you utilize guided reading groups with your first graders to help meet their needs as learners. You mentioned that while you are utilizing flexible grouping you want to consider trying out Routman's suggestion of providing texts that connect to their interests. I agree with this and providing this in our content areas helps with integration and with reading interest. Thanks, Dawn