Week 7 Assignment 1

You can view my word Fluency & Word Study Chart here

In an optimum classroom setting, that supports the development of fluent reading, teachers make sure to include texts and materials that cater to all students with diverse learning styles and levels. The classroom should have an organized and inviting library that is also accessible to young children. The library should have a wide range of books with levels ranging from very low to above average. The classroom in general should be filled with words. There should be a big word wall- including all new words that the students have mastered. Higher vocabulary words should also be hanging around so that the kids are exposed to those words. Posters with good reader strategies should also be on the walls, so that when students come across a word they cannot read, they can be reminded to look at the wall and use one of the strategies to decode and ultimately read fluently!

In my classroom, I choose vocabulary words to incorporate into my curriculum based on two things. Firstly, I chose words that are on my students levels. I will obviously not include words that will be very difficult for them. The second way I choose vobulary words is by aligning it with a book that we are readng, so that the students are excited about the book and then associate that new word with the book we read, and that helps them remember how to read the word and what it means.

The amount of time allocated for word study really depends on the lesson and on the students. Harder words require more time. In my classroom I would introduce the new words during the Read Aloud and discuss it with the class. Later during centers, I would have students write sentences using the new words they have learned. During that time I would be there to support my students who need assistance. Studying word patterns is another thing I would incorporate in my lessons and I would do word sorting as a practice.

There are many word study techniques that I model to my students and teach them to use. Firstly, I  would select a group of words that have a specific spelling pattern and that matches the students development. I would encourage students to compare and contrast features in words. One method for doing so is having students sort words. I would also teach students that when they come across hard words they should go through a step by step process to try to read and understand it. Like, reread sentence, look at word and try to read middle part, end part etc. The way I would know that students understand new words is by asssessing them orally and also in a written manner.

Diffrentiated instruction is vital because rarely will all students in a class be on the same level. Therefor, dividing the class into reading groups might help. In my classroom, my students are responsible for their own words based on their level.