Post: 4 blocks and literacy centers
Posted by Me too on 7/23/08
Hi,
I was reading the posts about this topic and want people
to know that Reading First does not say that you can not
do word work during the block! I have been a coach in a RF
district for 3 years and the key is Balanced Literacy,
which includes word work. It was done daily in our most of
our buildings. Unfortunately RF has gotten a bad rap
because states and/or districts or even individual
buildings have added their own "Take" on it.
What I did find is that it helped many teachers become
more tuned in to what students were struggling and provide
PD and support for teachers to help them help their
students. It also addressed the wasted time in so many
classrooms (Imagine how difficult it was to watch 20-25
minutes of transition between the carpet and students
returning to their desks (TRUE! - I timed it more than
onece!) Think about what is wasted when a teacher does
this several times a day.
In fact many teachers do word sorts, write spelling with
letter cards or magnetic letters, and other activities.
However, I personally do not believe in centers because it
is time students supposedly spend in "practicing" what
they have already learned - many times incorrectly - if
there is no adult to support the activity, which I saw too
often. When guided reading was done in many of our
buildings, The Daily Five activities were what students
worked on, mainly Read to Self, Read with a Partner, Write
in response to Reading, or Listening to stories on tapes
or CDs. Some teachers incorporated the Word Work portion
but again, you can't be sure students are doing it
correctly. I believe the 4 block method, with immediate
teacher feedback is most effective.
Authentic reading is always the way to go, NOT
independent games and activities, as proven by research.
As I will be returning to the classroom this year, I will
NOT be doing centers. :>) I love 4 blocks activities.
That it is fun, engaging, and the students learn from it
is fantastic! I am looking forward to being back with the
children!!
Posts on this thread, including this one
- 4 blocks and literacy centers, 7/23/08, by Me too.
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