Literacy is the foundation for learning and encompasses reading, writing, and communication skills. An effective literacy program incorporates multiple strategies to accommodate different learning styles and speeds, including balanced literacy, which integrates reading, writing, and communication processes. Assessment and grouping are used flexibly to guide instruction. A balanced approach that combines skill instruction with authentic reading and writing experiences supports successful teaching of reading.
Guided Reading – Teacher works with small flexible groups. Shared Reading – All students are involved and can see a copy of the text. Teacher and students reading fluently with phrasing. Students’ eyes are on text. Students follow along as teacher reads inviting them to join in. Modeled/Shared Writing – Teacher modeled writing with student input. Students share writing Word Study – Phonemic Awareness is taught. Teacher modeled writing with student input. Students shared writing Students focus on letter sounds, patterns, making words with letters, and how words work. Read-Aloud- Teacher reads aloud from a variety of genres. Authors’ technique is discussed. Students are active participants commenting and listening for enjoyment. Independent Reading – Students know where and how to find books at their level. Students share after they read. Books are organized in library and are familiar to students. Writer’s Workshop – Students know where and how to find books at their level. Students share after they read. Books are organized in library and are familiar to students.
I typically use our corporation assessment of reading which includes a running record and rubric. I complete a DRA2 three times a year on each student and four times a year on my struggling readers. I love using projects and book discussions with my literacy circles that are done bi-weekly or as a literacy group finishes a book. Each student keeps a personal reading inventory folder which they list each book they have read independently or at home. In second grade I use our corporation report card to grade reading, which simply states the DRA2 level and if the student is below-level, on-level, or above – level.
Rubrics are a great way for students to see exactly what is expected of them. I have created a story writing rubric, that I would use on a published story.
Proficiency Group – students share a common strength or are working on a common instructional need. Deliberately Heterogeneous Groups – a group set up to counteract the potentially negative effects of proficiency grouping. Formal Cooperative Group – heterogeneous groups taught to work together as a team. Interest Group – students who share a common interest. Literature Group – students are reading the same text independently and meet to discuss it and respond to it. Project Group – students working together to produce a project, such as a skit, poster, video, or play.