Cara You have hit upon a question we all struggle with day in and day out. What you are asking about is differentiation...and it takes years to master, if we ever do! Here are some things I do: 1. Provide texts to read in multiple levels. All my kids might need to learn about finding the main idea, but some read at a third grade level and others read at a sixth grade level. So...I model how to do it in a think aloud and provide some guided practice in a text that could be accessible to all those levels, but when kids are practicing independently, I have them practice where they can be successful. 2. Flexible grouping. Assessment is key here. If I know from assessment that some of my kids are still struggling with decoding words with long vowel patterns, I might pull them aside while other kids are engaged in other reading and writing tasks and meet with them and teach that skill. 3. Reading workshop and individual conferences...meeting with each child periodically in a one on one setting can really make a difference. You'll want to find some of the many books by Carole Ann Tomlinson regarding differentiation of instruction. It IS intimidating at first, but keep at it. As you teach, be reflective. Think about what works for you and what doesn't...and then try something new. Good luck Jennifer In a message dated 6/8/2008 9:11:51 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
My question to anyone who can help is: I have been learning about the importance of evaluating a child's ability as well as figuring out how to move that child forward. I'm sure I'm just intimidated but this is where my questions comes in. How do you plan your lessons if you have 25 different students with 25 different levels of literacy? This may sound silly to many of you but I don't have the experience of being in the classroom and I don't understand how to teach and plan lessons and activites around multiple abilties of multiple children. (I don't know if this is clear by the way so if I need to be more clear or detailed let me know) **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?&NCID=aolfod00030000000002) _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
