At the beginning of the week, my students took the FAIR test in the computer lab. When the results came in on Friday, I was able to compare them with other records and judge the class composition. Together, my CT and I are strategizing how to best meet the needs of our students, including RTI interventions and independent reading recommendations. During shared reading she effectively uses the “catch and release” method with her students, and is always encouraging new learning. I can definitely tell how comfortable she is teaching because how effortlessly she can give them the freedom of self-discovery.
On Tuesday, I shadowed my CT as she met with the school Reading Coach to discuss guided reading tactics. I found this to be a valuable experience since I knew very little about the process coming into it. Throughout the rest of the week, I was able to observe my CT lead four guided reading groups and later discussed each one with her. In the past, she had mostly been departmentalized to teach math and science, so I’m glad that we are getting the hang of “teaching literacy” together.
As one of my assigned tasks for Classroom Management, I was able to read aloud a few times from James and the Giant Peach, and I was able to practice procedures with the students while also exposing them to the wonderful work of Roald Dahl. The students listened excitedly to the literature and I look forward to engaging them more with the story.
I walk in every morning to a room of students so full of potential and I can’t wait to see what this week has in store for me!