> On 4/18/08, Theresa wrote:
>> I am FINALLY going to have my sixth graders for two
>> consecutive class periods next school term. This of course
>> will allow me more time to implement 4 Blocks "the right
>> way" instead of bit by bit.
>> I have the Modifying 4-Blocks book as well as GOBS of other
>> guided reading and writing resource books.
>> My biggest question will be this: In a 100-minute class,
>> what is my best attack with struggling readers who are
>> typically 2 or 3 grade levels behind? =)
>
1. How far are the students behind?
2. What specifically are the weaknesses?
In my opinion, 100 minutes is not going to be sufficient for a
class where the majority of readers are two to three grade
levels behind. There is probably nothing you can do about
that; you get what you get; I'm just saying...
If the majority of the students need phonics/decoding
instruction, 15 minutes a day is not going to cut it. I also
cannot recommend writing instruction enough. Writing,
writing, writing.
I HIGHLY suggest purchasing The Teacher's Guide to Big Blocks
if you are going this route. There are sample schedules in
there.
After spending time with Pat down at IRA this week, we are
more convinced than ever that short text is the way to go in
upper grades. You might want to check out Less is More which
explains the implementation of the idea. Dick Allington, who
is also here, is speaking about fluency and the importance of
appropriate text at an independent level during the Self-
Selected Reading block, not to be confused with Sustained
Silent Reading. If you want your students to be engaged
with reading, books MUST be at their level. Since you are
dealing with students several years behind, this point is
critical.
brad and deb
Chatboards
Lessons
Projects
Classifieds
Mailrings
Jobs
Live!
Gazette
Advertise
1996 - 2008. All Rights Reserved. Please review our