Learning is ongoing!

Special Presentations

Special Presentations


Amanda's lesson




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Emergent Literacy

   In today's class we went over emergent literacy and all the elements that go along with it. We discussed how parent involvement is very important when it comes to building reading skills because they are a child's first teacher. Providing a print rich environment for students is one of the many ways to allow students to practice reading and to get them involved. There are many different approaches and strategies to teach reading and I think they all sound like great ways to get the students involved. Another helpful feature to integrate into your reading lesson is to provide a visual aid. This can help students see the words better and it allows them to understand the lesson that is being taught.
   Integration of technology is another positive teaching strategy. I think this gives students a different overview of reading. It allows them to see the various ways reading can be done and it can be a fun way for students as well. Shared reading is another approach that I think is very effective. Having the teacher provide a large book and have the students follow along and read out loud is a great strategy. I also liked the idea that Rhea suggested with the popcorn. Utilizing the five senses and integrating it into the lesson plan is something I think students will enjoy.
   Overall, today's class was full of great information that can really help me in the future. I really enjoyed learning all the different approaches and to go over it in class really made me understand it more.

Lesson of the Day: Emergent Reading

     Today was a fun-filled learning experience. We learned about emergent reading, integrating reading into culture and technology, and strategies that help students with their reading comprehension and fluency. It was great to learn about these topics, because as future educators it is important that we know several strategies to help our students with reading.
     At one point of the Dr. Rivera's lecture, she was talking about dramatic play and asked for volunteers. I was nervous when I volunteered myself, because I thought to myself, "Oh man, I just I forgot what I learned in my fine arts class". When Rhea and me tried to reenact our play from our previous class, I brain-farted; I forgot my lines and how to act. Looking back, creating our play was fun and it was hard-work. I am glad Dr. Rivera is giving us a second chance to reenact our play, because we did an awesome play and I do not want to mess it up.
     Overall, today was an exciting day for learning. I learned a lot and I am excited to become a teacher, because I want to implement the strategies in my classroom. I am also looking forward to our next class session, because Rhea and I get to reenact a scene from our play. Have a safe and fun weekend everyone!

Emergent Literacy

          Today we discussed emergent literacy and the different strategies that are used to encourage students to become emergent readers.  We discussed the importance of parent involvement and how support from home is a major benefit to the child.  After all, like the popular saying goes, the parents are the student's first teachers.  I believe that is not only support from the parent but support from the family as a whole.  We discussed buddy reading and shared reading.  These two concepts can also be applied at home perhaps with an older sibling playing the role as the teacher doing read alouds.
          We also had the pleasure of watching part of a dramatic play!  Angela and Rhea shared with us a brief excerpt of a play they had performed last semester.  Although it was only a piece of the play, they were able to give us a great example of how dramatic play would be carried out.  Dramatic play is important in the classroom because it is not only entertaining, it works well in other areas.  It helps students get out of their shell, it helps to reinforce the story that was read, and it allows the teacher to assess the child's understanding of the story.
           We also discussed the use of technology in the classroom.  Technology is everywhere in today's world.  Even children as young as four years old know how to operate cell phones and computers.  I should know!  I have a tech savvy four year old!  And so, technology is a very useful tool when carrying out lessons in reading.  The use of power-point and reading resource sites are beneficial to the teacher working as a teaching aid, and as well as beneficial for the student once he or she has been engaged.
          Emergent literacy is a very interesting concept in the process of teaching reading.  There are many different effective strategies to successfully guide the child to fluent reading. However, in the end we must find the ones that works the best with each student!

          
         
         

Emergent Literacy

Today, we discussed on different strategies on Emergent Literacy. There were some strategies that I was aware with already and have used them in some of my practicum lessons for my Early Childhood courses. But there were many others that I never heard of or used them without knowing the name of the strategy such as the "Have a Go". This strategy was a very interesting strategy for me, in which I wish I knew about it sooner to assist with my daughter's spelling bee competition that just took place yesterday. I believe this strategy would of helped her with remembering how to spell the list of words that she had to study.

The Repeated Reading is something I do with my son pretty much everyday, he  is in the Kindergarten and has to pass his checkouts in 2 minutes or less. When he reads the story the first time, he takes a bit longer than his 2 minute limit. So I have him read it about 5 times to himself, then 5 times with me before I time him. When I see that he is still having difficulty reading, I read the story aloud to him and have him repeat after me, so that he is aware of the different ways he is suppose to read it or with different expressions.

Learning these different strategies in class with Emergent Readers, will not only help me with my children at home with there reading skills but will also help me with my future students in the classroom. We have many different nationalities on Guam and we all have to take in account there reading skills and how to help them progress by using these strategies.

Session Two

      During today's session we discussed Marie Clay's emergent reading. I find it very interesting how research has gone into the various ways children are showing early signs they are interested in literacy.
We also discussed different strategies to use in the classroom to promote emergent literacy. There isn't one strategy that improves children's literacy, they need a variety to keep them engaged. This discussion has reminded me of my tutoring sessions at the Lagu Center. I remember having to do different things  to try and keep my students' attentions. I found that the kids I worked with enjoyed taking responsibility   instead having me do everything for them. For example: they wanted to read aloud for the group, and they wanted to write examples on the board.
     I cannot wait to start our practicums in the schools, and incorporate all these strategies we have been discussing. I am excited about somehow trying to incorporate the author's chair and dramatic play. During discussion Dr. Rivera had Angela and Rhea's give a short example of dramatic play. I enjoy the interaction versus just sitting and listening to all lecture. I can't wait to see the rest of their play.

Emergent Literacy in the Classroom

    In class today we went over a great deal of information regarding emergent literacy and its importance. As we went over it I was surprised at how many techniques we really do use in the classroom. Sometimes we probably do not even notice it. Since teaching will hopefully be my profession when I graduate it is good to know what other strategies we can use in our class to better the understanding of the students we work with.
     When asked to role play I was unsure about what to act out and felt like I could have done better since it was just last semester. Since there was a break I guess practice is still necessary. Which also provided an example of how it can relate to learning things. If not practiced for a while we forget.
     With all the things a student has to learn in a classroom I think the most important part is that WE as the teachers need to make sure to keep them engaged in our lessons. If there are difficulties that arise we have to make sure to reevaluate to provide a better outcome for the students who did not understand the lesson. We also gathered tips on what to put up in our classroom like using a word wall, the technique have a go, or even read alouds and pocket charts. All these ideas will be great resources to use when thinking of ways to engage our students in the classroom. It really gives me some ideas to think about for the future.

Reading Components and Strategies

Today's class session was very interesting and engaging. The information provided was not all new to me, but it was a good review of the important strategies and components of reading. Since teaching reading is so very crucial, it is important to understand how to integrate effective instruction. Using an eclectic approach is absolutely necessary to ensure that we meet the needs of all students. For example, Rhea and Angela's short skit can engage students and encourage them to think about what they are seeing and hearing. Instead of having them just read a story on bullying, having them act it out can promote comprehension. Overall, we had a great session and I look forward to learning more about teaching reading in the elementary classroom. Don't forget to order your book online! As future teachers, we will needed valuable and excellent resources!

Featuring the ED357 Stars!

Emergent Literacy

   Today in class we discussed what emergent literacy is and what are some methods and activities we as educators can use in our classroom. Dr. Rivera mentioned a few things that will promote literacy (having a print rich environment, parent involvement, etc). What I enjoyed most about today's session was the many activities and strategies that are effective, yet fun and creative, such as the "Have A Go" where students have three chances to spell a word, with practice and assistance in between. Another would be to incorporate technology using ebooks, prezi, and other online resources. It was fun to watch as Rhea and Angela reenacted a scene from their Fine Arts Methods play from last semester. Dr. Rivera had mentioned that dramatic plays are great methods of helping students with comprehension. I can't wait for next class for Act II. One activity that stood out for me was the Author's Chair, because I have never heard of it before. I will definitely keep that in mind once I have a class of my very own.
   Not only have we learned various activities, but Dr. Rivera has also stressed that it is important to know our students and to be aware of their progression through the school year. Direct Instruction was mentioned to be a reading program that some schools partake in on the island, but it is not the only program that is available. Having an eclectic approach seems like the most effective way to help our students. It may ensure that we meet the needs of all our students because not all children learn and think the same. How we can determine where our students stand would be to use authentic assessment. An example of an authentic assessment was literally spelled our for us by Dr. Rivera, which was portfolios! I feel we had so much enriching and useful information in our lecture today and I am very excited to see what has yet to come in our future class meetings.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Jan. 29 Session in Moodleroom

Dear All,

I've been rather sick, so our Jan. 29 session is to be held in our ED357 Moodleroom.  I will try to make it to campus this afternoon.  We will certainly review more material, strategies, etc. on Thursday.

Best regards,
Dr. Rivera

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Day One: So Far So Great

Our first class session seemed different. It was strange not seeing classmates I have gotten so used to seeing, but I'm glad to see some new faces in SOE. Its also refreshing to have new professors teaching the courses. I loved introductions, especially because i'm not familiar with everyone's name. I am excited to get to work in class...I have big work load ahead, but I am feeling very optimistic. I am excited that we're incorporating the regular face-to-face class sessions along with online sessions. I hope to gain skills and knowledge to help prepare for the classroom, on that final note I look forward to a very fresh and enlightening semester.

Friday, January 25, 2013

DAY 1: Reading Rocks!

For our first day of class we all had the opportunity to introduce ourselves, go over the syllabus, and get familiar with the class calendar. I am looking forward to the many different things we are going to learn through out this course. I am very glad that we have online meetings, which will benefit me by being home with my expected baby soon to be here. It's going to be a challenge for me but I know that with determination and hard work I can do it!!! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

In the Beginning

     The first day of class was very welcoming. I knew some people from my other classes but I was very pleased to have met new people. Dr. Rivera was also friendly and I am eager to learn from her. Firstly, we introduced ourselves to the class and shared our major. Next, we went over the syllabus. I was a bit intimidated with the amount of work that is ahead of us, but I am up for the challenge. I want to better myself with all the new skills I will be learning. I am glad that I am taking this course. 

Thursday, January 24, 2013

First Day

Todays class was very informative. We went over the syllabus and our class schedule, which gave us an idea of what to expect throughout the semester. I like the fact that we are going to be attending class in person and online. It gives us the opportunity to use a different learning environment and to be familiar with the different types of technology tools. I think this class is going to be fun and I'm looking forward to working with everyone!

Reading Methods: The Beginning

I would like to start this post by saying that I am really excited for this course! At an early age, I knew my strength and weaknesses when it came to my education and Reading was definitely one of my strengths, not to mention my favorite subject. I am happy and relieved to see some familiar faces, but also excited to meet those I have yet to work with in past semesters. I am also excited to have Dr. Rivera as our professor, who seems to be a very knowledgeable and wonderful teacher to have and work with. Going over the syllabus and schedule for the course intimidated me at first, but I am confident and determined we will all work hard to fulfill these requirements needed of us! 

Ready to Learn & Explore!



Hi everyone! Today was a great way to start off our class by introducing ourselves and reading the syllabus. I am very excited that I am taking this class, because as future educators it is important to teach our students the skills and benefits of reading.  I look forward to work, learn, and have fun with everyone. Have a safe and fun weekend!



A New Semester and ready to go!

Today was the second day of school and so far everything has been really good. We had a chance to go over the syllabus and class calender this morning. Which has provided me a chance to take a look at what to expect from the class and from myself. We will also be back on Moodle and Blogger so I am prepared to get back into the groove of using these apps again. It was nice to see that I have some good friends in our Reading Methods class, but I am just as excited that I get to work with new classmates too. As Dr. Rivera has mentioned I was in her previous class and I know we will all enjoy her in this course. I am excited to see what she has in store for us and ready to work with you all this semester. I hope we all have a great semester and GOOD LUCK!

First Day of Class

In today's session we went over the syllabus and course schedule.  We also introduced ourselves to the class. I found it very nice to meet new people and am excited to make new friends!  I am looking forward to a great semester. Learning is definitely ongoing!

Here's to a great semester!

Hello everyone! Today's class session was fun! I am glad that we took the time to introduce ourselves so that we know a little bit about each other. I'm sure that as the semester moves forward, we will become more acquainted. I am excited to learn and grow with all of you! Let's work hard this semester! Like Dr. Rivera says, "learning is ongoing!" See you next class, Rachel