RPI Day 4 Small Group Reading Instruction

 Small group reading has always been a major interest of mine as I feel it's the perfect way to see children interacting with one another and practising all the new skills they are learning/have learned in a safe environment. Today's session was a lot of information shared but some good nuggets to focus on in my practice.

Highlights for me were: 

Being acutely aware of what is going on 'inside the classroom' with regards to small group instruction. Building up the children's experience of what and how 'small group reading' looks and feels like, so they know the routines, what to do and are set up to succeed. I love the DO NOT DISTURB sign as, isn't this every teacher's lament?? 

 

This Cycle introducing the Text and Purpose for Reading is great as I'm a visual learner and it's an easy way to be able to move from one area to the next. 

In introducing a new text I loved the way Elena introduced new vocab using the word cards and adding them to a word wall for the children to refer to at any time. Activating prior knowledge and subsequently sharing the purpose for reading, ensure the children are motivated and interested in what is to come. They love sharing what they already know and because the purpose for the reading is explicitly mentioned they can start looking for clues once the reading gets underway.

 I was blown away by this tool today - what a fabulously simple yet effective way of gauging where a child is at. I love it and really can't wait to try it out.

I was also interested to see oral language making a comeback in the curriculum - it's been the 'poor' cousin in literacy for too long. Also, a greater emphasis on Word Work should see children progress in better understanding how our language works (even though there are exceptions to every rule!!!)

Independent follow up tasks draw all the children's learning and understanding together and they often respond excitedly to completing these. They understand the vocab, what the purpose of the reading was and can consolidate their Success Criteria with confidence. The Create and Share part of our Manaiakalani practice enables them to be creative and express themselves independently from the learning they have experienced.

A great day of consolidating and absorbing new strategies and ways to ensure out tamariki receive the best possible opportunities to become lifelong readers.