Reading PD with Louise Dempsey

What was the highlight of the session?

My highlight today- what does an effective guided reading programme look like!

Book Introduction

• activate prior knowledge
• predicting
• new vocab
• tricky concepts/ideas

Lesson Focus

• unpack the learning focus for the group (usually ongoing for a series of lesson)
• practice if necessary

Independent Reading

• students read the text (if short) or a chunk of text
• teacher listens in to students reading, guides and supports as necessary

Wrap-up

• discuss comprehension
• review any tricky sections
• review the learning focus of the lesson
• introduce the post reading activity

What aspect caused you the most difficulty?

The realisation that there was so much improvement I needed to make in my reading programme. Prior to the workshop, I was reading in unison with the kids- not giving them the opportunity to read independently while I monitor or ‘listen in’ to students reading. I was more focused on getting through the text with the children that I was forgetting to activate prior knowledge, make connections, discuss comprehension and review the focus/purpose of the lesson.

Was there any aspect that surprised you?

Time-management!10-20 mins depending on the reading level for the group. It’s OK if I don’t get through each group every day!

What were the three most important things you took away from the session?

•           Be realistic- guided reading is only one component of a balanced reading programme (we don’t have to teach everything or everyone)
•           It’s not about finishing the text at higher level- meaning/understanding/connecting J
•           Students don’t read in unison/ round robin read

Which aspects could you include in your own practice based on your learning experience?

•           Developing a think, pair, share culture in my classroom
•           Make time for talk
•           Reading task board- must do/can do

      Evaluation:

        - must do/can do has become a successful part of my classroom programme and planning. Students are engaged in their must do tasks and enjoy having choices afterwards. 

        - think, pair, share needs to stay consistent as it became very easy to get sucked back into "put your hand up" or picking on the same child to answer questions/share ideas. When it is implemented effectively, I noticed every child is taking turns at listening and sharing with each other. Every child gets a voice!