I have about 8-10 students practicing 3.5 or 4.0 level fluency passages every week, and testing with me. About a week ago, I realized that several students were only gaining a few words a week. What could be the problem? They probably were not practicing. So, I assigned a more fluent reader to listen to these students. They were to listen to the passage one time each day, keeping their eyes on the text to make sure the student was reading accurately. I was impressed by the improvement of 20 - 30 words improvement after practicing with a peer for 5 days. One student said he could "hear" a difference in his oral reading. Repeated readings work, but students have to practice! Reader responses were positive, and no negative comments about reading to a peer or listening to a peer have been made. I think it's a great way for classmates to support each other in their learning! Why didn't I think of this before?
Our Kindness Chain is growing, little by little. I have very "mature" students, who don't seem to want to engage in this and other classroom activities. I've also implemented Poetry Folders with my class, so they all have fun and engaging text to reread with a partner during work time. Again, some students seem to withdraw. I know that I can't let that stop good practice. I will have to insist that they participate and do their job. Stay positive, I tell myself!
Janet-
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have some awesome things going on in your room right now!! One thing that has helped my students with fluency and poetry folders is putting actions with the poems. I know that the desire to do actions probably decreases as the years go on...but at the beginning of the year, I totally put myself out there and made up silly actions to go with the poems. The kids thought it was hilarious and then wanted to try it themselves. I got lots of feedback from parents saying they couldn't believe how their students could read these poems. Now it is a weekly activity!
Paula,
ReplyDeleteThat's actually a wonderful suggestion, as a couple of mine who would choose not to participate in the reading, love to dance, sing and perform. One is like a Justin Bieber look a like! Thanks for the suggestion!