Module 6: Instructional Challenge

Next year, you will be teaching in a school where the vast majority of students did not meet standard on your state's criterion-referenced test and where more than 75% of the students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. What are some specific universal literacy strategies you may implement to ensure students' success? Include both in-class examples and things you could do outside the classroom. 

I would implement the comprehensive literacy instruction in my classroom. Research has shown that comprehensive reading instruction benefits both proficient and less proficient readers and writers. Also, low-achieving children achieve more with comprehensive, whole-to parts instruction than with traditional, parts-to-whole reading instruction (Weaver, 2002, p.372). I would implement all components of a readers' workshop and writers' workshop. This program would offer students various opportunities to learn in whole-class, small-group, and individual settings. Students would have plenty of time to read books based on their interest and write stories on any topics. I believe allowing students time to practice reading is very important because they read to learn. Students would have opportunities to listen to stories during read-alouds and shared reading. Students would lead their own discussion about a book they read and share stories they have written with a partner,  in small group, or whole class. 

As well as incorporating the comprehensive literacy in my reading instruction, I would create a classroom library filled with multiple level books from all genres. I would set up a cozy library space for the students that includes things like pillows, bean bag chairs, and lamps. I would put posters up on the wall near the library to help students find just right books and strategies that would help them when they come to unfamiliar words when reading independently. In addition to the classroom library, I would set up literacy centers around the classroom. Some of the literacy centers could be listening center , writing center, word work, computer, SmartBoard, etc. 

To encourage students to read at home, I would send home printable books for students to keep at at home. Students would be allowed to check out books from the media center and classroom library. I would send home pamphlets that would have various activity ideas for both students and parents to do together. After a student reads a story, for instance they can create a script for readers' theater, make comic strips, act out a story, draw and write about the story. There are numerous interactive activities that goes beyond answering questions on a worksheet. If technology is available at home, parents and children can make movie, slideshows, digital books.