My first experience in Kinder, came during my student teaching placements in San Luis Obispo. I was fortunate enough to have a master teacher who had many years of experience, valued Comprehensive Literacy, and utilized the Lucy Calkins' curriculum. (She was phenomenal!)
Last year, I was bound to a full implementation of the Open Court Reading (OCR) curriculum. As a first year teacher, I tried to appreciate have a lesson plan and materials already prepared for each day. However, I became frustrated with the length of time each lesson took to teach (all day!) and the lack of cultural relevance. Plus, there was the incessant need to drastically improve my instruction and the adapt the curriculum to make it my own. My lack of authenticity while teaching, resulted in a decreased connection and meaningful experiences for my students.
This couldn't be more evident, than during my Writing time. Next year, I will be at a new school that values innovative thinking to meet the need's of each student. So this summer, I am conducting my own research and reading, before official "PD" begins.
Moving Forward:
I have read various "literacy" texts including: Calkins' Units of Study for Teaching Writing, Debbie Diller's Literacy Work Stations, and the Boushey and Moser's Daily 5. Everything I have read contains valuable information and strategies that will be incorporated into my instructional practice.
Making it Happen:
I am also trying to balance that information with the abilities that my students will arrive with on Day 1. Many students may lack mastery of letters and sounds, preschool experience, and fluency in English. I fully support our instructional model and the potential for all student to make 1.5 years of growth. However, this just means that the beginning of the school year present some challenges. I am looking forward to exploring high leverage ELD strategies to help students generate "Big Ideas" and communicate thoughts with others.
If you have any suggestions or resources.. I would be so appreciative if you shared!
Have a great Monday!
Jordan
Some of today's reading:
A Curricular Plan for the Writing Workshop (Kinder)
http://www.heinemann.com/products/E04301.aspx
Teacher's College Reading and Writing Project
http://readingandwritingproject.com/resources/assessments/writing-assessments.html
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