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4 Blocks Chatboard

4 blocks and literacy centers

by Me too

Jul 23, 2008

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 m...See MoreHi, 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!!

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