Literacy in Kindergarten

 

Kindergarten Literacy Approach

After reading Weimer (2019) thoughts of what constitutes a learner-centered approach. It was clear to acknowledge that a learner-centered is reflective of an educator who utilizes evidence-based practices. These instructional practices are facilitated in such a way that is reflective of an educator willing to relinquish control. Above all else, this is an educator who motivates his or her students to flourish using the art of empowerment and acknowledging students worth in the learning community. Weimer (2019) outlined five key ingredients that would be essential for students to guaranteed achievement.

As I reflected on the instruction of Ms. Hertzberg’s literacy lesson incorporating the trade book, Scribbleville by Peter Horwitz. I noticed that Ms. Hertzberg utilized evidence-based practices throughout her lesson to constitute a student-learner approach. One of the instructional practices I observed was Ms. Hertzberg, began with a connection reminding her Kinders what they had already learned previously. Then she invited her Kinders to study the illustration on the cover and predict what they believe the story would be about. Next, she gave them a sneak peek into the book by highlighting an overall synopsis of what the text focused on (being different).

Ms. Hertzberg informed her Kinders that they would conduct a stop n discuss throughout their reading as they had done in the past (set expectations for success). Then she provided her readers with a verbal writing prompt to guide their thinking. Not only this, but she provided her Kinders with an example (text to myself) connection to give them an idea of what being different truly meant.   Following this, she read a little, integrated open-ended questioning and discussion. Afterwards, she instructed her Kinders to turn-and talk (build partnership conversation) about what they believe was occurring (BDA) Before, After, and During their reading.  While her Kinders were sharing, she listened in carefully and added direction as needed.

By utilizing these different teaching methods in literacy, Ms. Hertzberg lesson was student-centered while she gladly gave up control of her learning environment to ensure that her Kinders could think about what was happening in the story, incorporate questioning, and focus on collaborative learning. Overall, the lesson was curtailed to student enhancement in reading comprehension.

Joy Overflowing,

A.     Pettigrew

My Literary Philosophy

Flourish my scholars love of literacy by interacting with evidence-based practices while ensuring they’re proficient in languages incorporating engaging online reading programs and activities. 

 As an educator of the arts of Reading and Writing, I vow to:

Demonstrate, clarify with specific details, use photographs and illustrations to prompt questioning. Additionally, reread to restate 5-character elements to initiate central messages or retelling.

Encourage conversations via the Turn & Talk Method to build reading partnerships. social skills, and analytical thinking.

Engage readers in the Close Reading Approach to enhance fluency and comprehension.

Model the use of H.O.T. (Higher Order Thinking) with post-it notes to increase a depth of knowledge to connect to the author’s purpose and for readers to think about what’s happening in the story.

Readers will participate in Story Ladder Questioning using BDA (Before, During, After) the text.

Model using Reading Strips, Pointers, and Highlighter Tape to point out context clues (i.e., vocabulary words) while reading during mini-lesson.

Be sure to construct reading and writing   lesson plans that are evidence-based that cover reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

(The Reading and Writing Project, n.d.)

Joy Overflowing, 

A. Pettigrew

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Emerging Literacy into a Technological World

 

The materialization of the internet has transposed avenue of reading from the spiral of a book towards an electronic photographic marvel articulated Tseng et al. (2015).  The digital age has swept young minds into the magnificent world of what it means to communicate with the swift tap of a fingertip by being connected to a multimodal forms of communication (i.e., video conferencing). One of the most extraordinary ideologies about becoming apart of the 21st-century technological advancement are scholars have shown in their findings how beneficial it can be to struggling readers who have shown deficiencies in comprehension and fluency in the past.

Brekhus (2015) implored educators to make literacy more intimate for readers by creating a personal library filled with books, that are easily accessible, acclimated on their reading levels, authentic with audio capabilities so they may hear the sounds and pattern while reading. This will be especially beneficial for dual language learners. Brekhus (2015) added granting readers this passageway is innovative and allows for a deeper level of thinking and smooth transition in fluency. While also building upon questioning and response. 

Furthermore, Lapp & Kunz (2020) of Literacy Today reminds educators of the vitalness of keeping routines in place to build stamina and enhance motivation to read although readers are connected digitally.  Moreover, Lapp & Kunz (2020) spoke of the importance of building strong ties with families and students using virtual aspects. One way of making this a reality is posting a daily positive message that greets students sets expectations for literacy goals, and the learning which will follow shared Lapp & Kunz (2020).  Of equal importance, promoting partnerships among peers using technology is a fantastic way to ensure a literary community is solidified and every reader is given a voice.  Not to mention, the web-based annotation tools, provide a method for readers to document notes in the margins, as well as highlight key vocabulary words and underline context clues within the sentences articulated Wright et al. (2013).

In closing, when educators and reading specialists integrate 21st-century technology into the realms of their learning environment they cultivate a certification of digital citizenship onto the hearts of their readers. This certification embodies confidence to discover beyond the walls of their classroom by contacting to other peers using multimodal avenues emitted Trust (2018). Therefore, it is through this connection, technology does not just enhance learning, but transcend it.

Joy Overflowing,

A. Pettigrew

References

Brekhus, T. (2015). Making Reading Your Own. Language Magazine, 14(5), 28–30.

Lapp, D.& Kunz., K. (2020). Reflecting on Virtual Learning: Supports and Strategies to Continue Teaching and

 Learning Growth. Literacy Today, 38 (3). International Literacy Association.

Sheng-Shiang Tseng, Hui-Chin Yeh & Shih-hsien Yang (2015) Promoting different reading comprehension levels

through online annotations, Computer Assisted Language Learning, 28:1, 41-57, DOI: 10.1080/09588221.2014.92736

Wright, L. K., Zyto, S., Karger, D. R., & Newman, D. L. (2013). Online Reading Informs Classroom Instruction and

Promotes Collaborative Learning. Journal of College Science Teaching, 43(2), 44–53. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.2505/4/jcst13_043_02_44

 

Communication as a way to enact change..

Communication is way of expressing one’s self through the art of language with a certain level of interpersonal skills…. Communication can be a powerful commodity when exercise with the right amount of stance…. It can be an allied of sorts when trying to persuade a particular audience, a non-communicative parent, administrative staff, a shy child, or even our legislators  to see one’s point of view….

As a leader for my school, this is an area that I have strived to reach perfection in and use a weapon of peace and understanding in the midst of confusion by way of a received note in an agenda correspondent because of a dishonest child or a phone call where an angry parent is on the other end. Communicating in a positive manner when faced with a difficult situation can calm any storm- is a strategic tool that I have learned over the years previously as a counselor to youth and mothers of substance abuse and in my current profession…

When striving to enact change that not only effect you, but everyone within your circle and outside of it…communication is key… In speaking of policy…I reminisce on President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address and how it must take confidence within oneself to speak in front of others who have a vote to decide whether or not what you say is relevant-sweeping changes throughout the United States…Whether or bad is in the ears of the beholder. Knowing that at the end of your speech, what you say could impact millions….

I also believe that not only does it take confidence, but being well –read in the knowledge based of whatever matter in which the speaker is communicating on is also an asset in communication. In other words, preparation is a must….so research has to play a role as well…. Therefore; if communication is to be done effectively – I say, stand tall, shoulders back, notes documented, confident in your purpose keeping your eyes on the prize…just simply let your thoughts flow while maintaining eye contact…and passion about whatever you’re presenting…then communication will be a success!

Joy Overflowing,

April

Using Social Media As an Influence

Using Social Media As an Influence

As with every facet of the social media, as an educator… one must be particular cautious when it comes to using this outlet as a means to bring awareness to a cause that you strongly believe in…. Social media is a way is like the devil’s advocate…in some ways it can be positive but it is in the perception of the minds of others that words meant one way can go astray…. So it’s like walking a tight rope…especially when considering that whatever it posted in the black and white-there simply is no gray to consider…. On that note, in order to press the issue of NCLB and all its assets whether pro or con… I would exploit blogging or Edmodo.com…both are free and are user friendly to both other colleagues, administrators, parents, students, and all other stakeholders involved.

          For me blogging is so personal that as an educator I can be passionate about my issue; whatever it may be and at the same time…speak in lamine terms where everyone involved can understand…. I can post beautiful graphic to accommodate whatever it is that I am trying to persuade my audience to understand…. Also in blogging…I can speak of current issues concerning education such as homelessness and poverty, obesity (Diabetes type II), parental involvement… common core standards- all of these issues are prevalent and are happening in the now…. These issues can be addressed and supported via the research of others using peer reviewed articles that I can attach… This to me is super awesome because I feel that this is another way to stay connected to my parents and students….as well as allowing them the power to stay informed.

Another social media that I use is Edmodo.com-which is fabulous…it is free too…it is a way to empower learners, other teachers, and parents… This is wonderful in the fact that you can join groups which you can assess fantastic ideas and post pictures of awesome activities that you have done with your students…a code is needed, but it is super easy. Believe me I have done a plenty and my parents absolutely love it…. Edmodo is a way of sharing and collaborating…with colleagues, administration, and students… You have a grade book, a forum where you could upload documents such as newsletters for your class by month or week… In addition, for example, if one of your students forgot their homework assignment…you can simply send out a post with the information directly to parents…When I say directly, I mean the information travels through cyberspace directly to their devices, whether it be an IPad, iPhone, droid….Samsung Note 3, 4..whatever the case may be…the students and parents are in the loop…That’s what’s important right…On top of this, communication lines are always open…can you say amazing…. The last thing I love about Edmodo is that it is a safe way with high standards based upon the vision of the Edmodo creators to get parents, teachers, and students connected via technology…

A third way I would use social media is to create a webpage using Weebly.com…another fantastic tools…. My kids and I have a website- it is full of fabulous information using pictures, and documents of what my kiddos have been learning and what they are going to be learning… Also Kidsblog.com…is also super-duper…because it provides a safe way for your kids to hold educational conversation/discussion about what is happening in the learning environment and to have open discussion that parents are invited to participate in… I absolutely love it...

In closing, the most terrific thing about all these social medias is that I know if I posted my major course assessment using these…that conversations can be discussed from anywhere in the world and it’s free…Thank you WORLD WIDE WEB!!!!

Joy Overflowing,

April

Educational Policy…Where Do We Go From Here?

Educational policy from what I have read thus far in Fowler’s (2013) Policy Studies for Educational Leaders is defined as “substantive decisions, commitments, and implementing actions by those who have governance responsibilities….as interpreted by various stakeholders”. In truth, I know very little about educational policy except from what I researched about its association with the Civil Rights Movement and Brown vs. Board of Education. Also with its impact on segregation in the public school system…In addition, the students that attend my school which is a Title I school is over 5o percent free and reduce lunch, so every year I students have to complete the federal forms, which I believe is how we receive our Title 1 funding, but again I know very little… My principal always at our media committee meeting always before ordering any new material or resource always says that she made sure to include it in her “budget” at the beginning of the fiscal year…

          So on that note, taking this class is definitely a plus for me, because I am new to this altogether.  After reading the beginning of this book as it describes the incident at the educational official it makes me wonder, “What can I do to make a difference? Is it my responsibility to know all the policies surrounding education as it pertains to my student or is it the administrators?

          One goal that I can set for myself is to interview my principal about at least one policy in education that directly affects our children. Another goal is to stay more abased on the lastest educational research on policy. Lastly, read more print about educational policy and watch more news on educational policy…I don’t watch TV…so I guess I need to at least tend to news once a week. Or I just thought about I could visit a great educational website that gives formative educational news  about the lastest findings.

Joy Overflowing,

April

References:

Fowler, F.  (2013). Policy Studies for Educational Leaders. An Introduction. 4^th.Ed. New, York.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

        “My clothes are tattered and torn… I feel so all alone, darkness surrounds me…the streets welcomes me… hungry… don’t know when my next meal is going to be…I’ll work just let me try, please dry the tears from my eyes… Who am I?  I could be you…  Homelessness knows no age, skin color, or race…it simply takes and never gives… Leaving no stone unturned”.

I have truly enjoyed all that I have learned in this course thus from  my understanding of what antibias in education means to the concept of microaggression,  the reflections and thoughts of Marsha and Shaun’s experiences, to the research of  Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, to all that I have acquired in my studies of homelessness. I  would have to say my favorite is the information I have learned about homelessness, because of the personal experience I have to the student who was previously in my class and still in my life… and at this very moment, her family is still being affected by the traumatic ramifications of homelessness.

In addition, reading all my colleagues posting via the discussion boards have been most interesting to learn about. I can truly tell through their thoughtful and innovative presentations given, they are going to enhance and enrich their children’s learning environment- now that is the bottom line…reach one. One day at a time…until you have conquered them all. .heart within a heart, combined to make one!

Joy Overflowing,

April