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Close Reading: Getting the students to ask the questions

December 14, 2014 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Close ReadingAs teachers move towards a style of “close reading”, it is more and more important to get students involved in their own learning when they read. The goal is that students are independent readers who can think critically about a text. Getting the students themselves to ask questions is one way that allows them to think on a higher level. Here are a few tips to get your students to that point.

1. Encourage students to be inquisitive and curious, even if their questions are not answered within the text. This actually provides great extension activities for them to research on their own. Assign students jobs of looking up answers to certain questions that are not answered within the text. They can report their findings back to the class.

2. Model the type of questioning you are looking for. Explain that there are two types of questions: those answered within the text, and those that require extended research. Give examples of both types of questions during read alouds.

3. Have students create their own questions on index cards. Put the cards in a bin and have groups select several cards. Each group will then answer the questions they get.

4. Choose texts that lead students to question. Find topics that will push students to think outside the box and question what they already know.

-Pathway2Success

Filed Under: ELA, Reading Comprehension

The Teacher-Student Connection

December 12, 2014 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

I would say that the most powerful item in my certified “bag of tricks” is simple: really connecting with the kids. Kids can totally see when an adult is being genuine and cares about them. They notice if you remember what sports they play, who their favorite band is, or how many siblings they have. It really makes a huge difference both emotionally and academically, too.

One really fun part of the teacher-student connection is weaving their interests and life into lessons. For example, use examples involving a student’s favorite food or sport when doing math word problems.

Also, give time just to chat about their lives. Maybe it is during recess, before the buses, during passing time, or during a lunch group.

If kids see that you care, they will too.

Filed Under: Classroom Management, Tips for Teachers

Getting Kids to Really Read

December 9, 2014 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Getting Kids to Really ReadOne observation I’ve made over the years is that the students who actually enjoy reading make the most significant gains with reading. And yes, I mean “really read”. That means reading something they like, not just because a teacher said to read it. I know this sounds SO obvious! However, it’s always a struggle getting those reluctant readers to pick up a book and find joy in reading. Not only is reading harder for them, but many times they can’t find the right level or the right topic that draws them in. I’ve seen so many students just “give up” on finding the right book. They just consider themselves “non-readers”. Of course, there is no such thing. Every single child and young adult CAN find something to read that interests them even it takes substantial questioning and 1 on 1 time to find a selection.

First, talk to the student and find out their interests. Maybe it is outer space, sports, horses, weather, or mythology. It will take a lot of questioning and options to find the right topic, at times. I like to ask what the student, “What would you research if a teacher gave you a special independent project?” and “What are the top 5 things you do outside of school?”.

Next, be open-minded about the type of text. If the student thinks they can’t read longer books, open them up to magazines or shorter chapter books. Reading is reading! For a struggling reader, it is okay to encourage reading longer books, but you should not deny them the joy of opening up a how-to text on a topic that interests them or a graphic novel.

Also, talk to your school librarian. They really are a great resource and can help be another voice to talk to your struggling reader. If you can’t reach that student, it might help them to talk to “an expert”.

Downloadable books and audio books are another option, especially for students struggling with decoding and reading fluency. Such books will allow the students to gain vocabulary and comprehension skills without fumbling over challenging words. A student’s reading weakness in phonics should not get in the way of their ability to enjoy an interesting text.

It’s also okay to forget the lexile in this situation. I know that common core is pushing educators to get their kids reading higher level texts. However, any teacher would rather have their students read a less challenging text and enjoy it than not read at all. Sometimes you may have to go back a couple of grade levels in text for the student to feel comfortable in reading. Once the child gains reading confidence, you can encourage him or her to read more challenging texts.

Finally, read alouds are extremely under-rated! Sometimes struggling readers lack the fluency and expression when reading on their own. It might be helpful for you to create this as you read an interesting text aloud. Read alouds should be a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable time. This also models that you enjoy reading, too.

Overall, the goal is for our kids to really read! Children and young adults who learn to love reading often hold on to this for their whole lives. However you get there does not matter.

-Pathway2Success

Filed Under: ELA, Reading Comprehension

Surviving December-

December 7, 2014 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Besides June, I would say that December is the most challenging month for my students. We have just had several days off due to Thanksgiving Break, and now the holiday break is just weeks away. While I am excited, the kids are just plain restless. It’s hard to get them back into the groove for December. So, here are just a few strategies for keeping some serenity (and actual academics) in your classroom for the month of December.

1. Keep as much routine as possible! As much as it sounds fun to try new activities, right now is probably not ideal timing. Kids really thrive on routine.

2. Offer small “rewards” for positive behavior acts. Allow a student to choose the reading passage, lead the class in a lesson, or even tell a joke to the class. You’ll have to tailor the rewards to your students, but even something small can go a long way.

3. Meet individually with your students struggling the most. Come up with a plan to help him or her complete work.

4. Have extra “fun work” ready for those who finish early. It’s not only a way to keep your students on task at all times, but also encourages some reluctant workers to get their work done at a faster pace.

5. Get students working on task cards. I cannot stress how much I love task cards! They get kids working in groups and you can even print out an answer sheet so they can check their work on their own. That also gives you the much needed time to work with those struggling the most.

-Pathway2Success

Filed Under: Seasonal

The Best Part of Teaching

December 7, 2014 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

I’ve heard so many teachers talk or write about their favorite part of teaching. For many, it is when the light bulb goes off for that one student who you know is struggling to understand a concept. For others, it is having students come back years later thanking them for the extra help.

Those are all great, don’t get me wrong! But the best part of teaching to me is something else. It is simple, really. The kids make me laugh every single day. I am a middle school teacher, so I think we get to be the silliest out of all the teachers, but I’m sure the same is true for many educators.

Being a special education teacher, I get to work with my kids very closely and learn them so well. With this relationship comes a lot of laughs. As long as I am laughing every day, I know I can handle whatever is thrown my way.

-Pathway2Success

Filed Under: Teaching

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