After analyzing data in a specific grade, it was determined that individual students needed more support from their teachers at their instructional level. Through classroom observations, the need to revise small group instruction became a focus for me. I worked with two novice teachers in rebuilding and reorganizing small group instruction to fit the needs of their students as well as keep the focus on growing readers and increasing the volume of reading.
Using the Wonders curriculum, I created an organizer that would help the teachers effectively sort through skill practice and reading instruction on a daily (and weekly) basis. Some highlights of this plan included the first few minutes of small group being used for a review/independent level task like reading decodables from earlier in the school year. This allowed for practice of partner reading. Then, skill practice took place focusing on scaffolded support as needed for the different small groups. Each small group meeting wrapped up with about 5-7 minutes in their leveled text. I became aware of "Close Reading" packets provided by Wonders to support the teachers when using the weekly Level Readers. These packets were provided to the teachers and used on three different days during small groups.
Through modeling, reflection, and observation, the teachers were able to adopt these small group reading plans in their classrooms. One teacher took this opportunity to really grow with a stronger focus on reading instruction, time in text, and independent reading levels. She adapted the plan a bit to fit her personal instructional style.
This was one of the most meaningful long-term coaching cycles that I was a part of this school year. Much reflection was done on my part in how to effectively communicate with these teachers, offer the right amount of support without taking over a process, and allow for individual adaptation and change on a process while keeping to the main purpose!
Small Group weekly plan
Coaching Cycle Organizers
No comments:
Post a Comment