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
