Literacy in the classroom

1. The Literate Environment Research Based practices that assist in creating a literate environment.

2. Getting to know Literacy Learners Creating a Classroom Community encourages students to take risks, and feel safe and respected. Observing students, having rich conversations and using critical questioning will ensure a positive student-teacher relationship.

3. Cognitive Assessments Tompkins explains that teachers take running records to assess word identification and fluency (Tompkins, 2010). Running Records are completed at least every nine weeks. They demonstrate a students decoding and reading process. Sitting with and observing students as they read assist in discovering strengths and needs that allow for better instruction. The data from this assessment assists in small group placement for practicing of skills.

4. Non-Cognitive Assessments The Elementary Reading Attitude Survey is provided for all students to better understand attitudes toward reading. The kid-friendly questions are easy to follow and the data offers a great deal of information such as the attitudes of students toward reading. This information leads to a better selection of text and strategies that will provide positive learning experiences for all students.

5. Non-Cognitive Assessments Afflerbach (2007) states, “Successful student readers must be motivated, of positive attitude, of good self-concept, and capable of making accurate attributions for their performance. “

6. The Framework for Literacy Instruction The Framework for Literacy Instruction is a method of looking at texts, learners, and instructional practices through three different perspectives: Critical, Interactive, and Response.By using the this framework as a guide, a balanced literary program will be created. My goal is to teach the strategies so comprehension with all text is successful. Dr. Almasi explained that using this framework allows teachers to make critical decision on their behalf (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).

7. The Interactive Perspective This perspective develops critical thinking skills by monitoring, regulating and evaluating texts. Developing metacognitive strategies assist students in becoming independent literacy thinkers. Examples of the Interactive Perspective: Understanding the correct strategy to decode words Knowing when something doesn’t make sense

8. Dr. Almasi explained that incorporating the Interactive Perspective teaches children to be literate learners on their own (Laureate education, Inc. 2010).

9. The Critical Response Teaching strategies that assist students with analyzing and questioning the text develop a way of thinking that challenges our students.Dr. Almasi defines the critical response as students thinking deeply about a text (Laureate Education, Inc. 2010a). Examples When students are figuring out why the author used certain characters or questioning the outcome of the book.

10. The Response Perspective Words and text are powerful tools and that significantly impact the way students view life. Connecting students to the text with engaging activities that relate to their life increases motivation and achievement. Grand conversations led by students discussing their thoughts and feelings create a personal connection to the text. Tompkins (2010) explains that when students are engaged in literacy, they will read and write more. Thus ,developing life-long reading habits.

11. References: Afflerbach, P. (2007). Understanding and Using Reading Assessment K-12. Delaware Laureate Education Inc., (2010a). “Critical Perspective”. The Beginning Reader PreK-3. Baltimore, MD: Author. Laureate Education Inc., (2010b). “Response Perspective”. The Beginning Reader PreK-3. Baltimore, MD: Author Tompkins, G. E. (2010). Literacy for the 21st century: A balanced approach (5th ed.). Boston