Module 2 Summary

Module two provided instructional strategies in order to improve learning for all children. The videos in module two outlined the importance and the appropriate structures of differentiated instruction. The foundation revolves around allowing all students to learn. As teachers we need to do whatever we can in order to ensure all students are actively learning within our classrooms. Differentiated learning takes everyone's needs and breaks them up in a way that teachers really utilize variables in which learning occurs.

The Power Points in module two elaborated on strategic learning techniques for struggling readers and how each technique should be used at different times. The Power Points explained how not each learner learns the same, but also that now every strategy is effective for all learners. They also touched on the technology advancement teachers are seeing more in the classroom. I believe technology teaches in ways the teacher cannot. It allows for more student involvement, and really expands the concepts being taught. The Power Points also play a huge role in teaching about scaffolding. Scaffolding is offering the appropriate amount of guidance and support until a feeling of success is fulfilled and created within all students. Scaffolding goes hand and hand with differentiated instruction both utilize baby steps in order for effective teaching practices to take place. Both provide students with the tools they need to be successful.

Planning Strategic Reading Lessons

The goal of strategic reading is to provide support by implementing instructional goals by creating groups with target strategies in order to facilitate fluent reading and comprehension.   Strategic reading should be teacher directed. It is the teacher's job to select themes, objectives, and instructional formats in order to ease the learning process. This process allow for exploration through the implementation of reading strategies. Later, this process can move to be more student directed. Strategic reading has been known to increase positive attitudes in young readers, allows the reader to gain multiple strategies in order to gain meaning, allows for exploration of multiple reading genres, and allows for students to think critically.

Teachers should be able to answer several questions prior to beginning the planning process. Objectives should be clearly defined, in what way can the objectives be assessed, what texts can be utilized, and the student’s purpose for reading should be identified.

Strategic reading begins with prior knowledge. It is important to allow the children to create connections before, during and after reading. Picture walks can be used to help get the students thinking in the right direction. Scaffolding and the use of KWL charts are prominent tools used in strategic reading. Read alouds, fluency, and vocabulary lessons should all be utilized in order to ensure maximum instruction and learning.  

Differentiation and Flexible Grouping

Differentiation is a way in which teachers can teach to everyone individually. It is individualized instruction where common language evolves and children get the needed instruction at their own learning levels. Classroom management is a crucial piece of differentiated instruction. It is a way in which we can identify all the various needs and implement an overall picture in teaching. 

Module 1 Summary

Reading Strategies for Struggling Readers Video: 

I found this video to be very powerful. Typically, parents want to help their children, however, they are not sure the steps they need to take. I found these strategies to be very helpful, and I plan to utilize them more within my classroom. I am proud to say I will share this link with my parents within my classroom. I feel as if they will respond very positively. 

Trip to Hawaii:

The trip to Hawaii was very interesting. It provided a new way to display information, and really allowed me to make connections to struggling readers. I found many new ideas and ways to incorporate the use of graphic organizers in my own classroom. Our trip to Hawaii explained how to use the graphic organizers, and it also showed examples of how to properly use them in the classroom. I believe that scaffolding through the use of organizers really prepares students to utilize them on their own and allows them to better prepare for more complex learning tools. Graphic organizers guide instruction with narrative and expository reading.

Expository Text Features: 

Expository text feature PowerPoint was very interesting and I think it does a great job preparing students to become familiar with non-fiction text features. We have non-fiction text features scavenger hunts in my classroom, and this PowerPoint inspired me to incorporate new things in my teaching to help prepare my students. I really enjoyed how this was linked to graphic organizers. Providing students will powerful tools instill success in all learners.

Lewis and Clark Expedition: 

This reading really allowed me to see content integration. I love that these tools can be utilized through all content areas. This reading helped me to gain a positive understanding of the learning process and tools to intensive the learning process. Key words and text structures aid to student learning. I found this to be very powerful while reading. I know that graphic organizers paired with expository and narrative reading will guide my students learning and success. 

Module 1: A Trip to Hawaii and Understanding Expository Texts PowerPoint

Graphic Organizers: 

- Facilitate comprehension

-Tool for struggling readers

- Help to scaffold learning while reading

-Meaningful learning

-Integration of new knowledge with prior knowledge

-Encourage engagement and brainstorming

-Helpful to navigate narrative and expository text

-Identify text patterns while reading

-Guide students while reading

-Used in a variety of subjects

-Provide visual aids, reference materials and provide a framework for comparison

Flow Charts- Sequencing tool (chain of events)

Concepts Maps- Take broad topics and break it down in order to show connections

Frayer Model- Vocabulary tool for personalizing connections

Problem Solving Grid- mathematical concept map that breaks down the steps to efficiently solve a problem

Vocabulary Prediction Chart- Students predict the meaning, use the context clues, and they identify the actual definition from the dictionary

Venn Diagrams- comparison and contrasts

Tree Diagrams- Guide with classification and understanding

Cause and Effect- Demonstrate the relationships between things

Problem and Solution Map- explore many options and creative problem solving solutions  give students a framework to describe many options. 

Guidearoma- creates reading paces for students using pictures and brief explanations of instructions

Teaching Expository Text PowerPoint

Teachers need to teach the different text features in order for students to make those new connections and to understand what they are reading. Teachers can identify the various structural elements of different types of expository text. Teachers can utilize several graphic organizers to help guide young readers. The different concept maps and organizers will help the students identify new text elements. Teaching students key words will help them during reading and writing. They will be able to accurately comprehend what they read. 

Module 1: Video Presentations

Reading Strategies for Struggling Readers:

Phonological awareness is a skill that must exist prior to being able to read fluently. Stretching words is a great way to allow students to hear individual letter sounds. Phonics teaches students to properly decode words using word parts and syllables. Changing vowel sounds and vowel teams improve student reading. Fluency is the ability to read smoothly and accurately. Reading passages while being time is a great tool to improve reading fluency. Vocabulary should grow with age and should serve as a useful tool while reading. Using context clues really improve the student's understanding of  new words. Vocabulary sketches help readers identify the meaning of the words, use it in context and they can draw a picture. Reading comprehension is understanding what you have read. Identifying characters, setting and the main idea help readers to retell what they have read.