Reflections on my RPI learning

 This RPI  programme has been the most informative learning I have done in a while. The facilitators and mentors have been very willing to assist and explain expectations to me (in simple terms!!)

There have been a few highlights along the way:

The 5 Pillars of of Practice are a good visual to keep somewhere handy as they do succinctly link the important aspects of a successful Reading environment where we can continue to try to improve reading outcomes for our children.

Days 4 and 6 - Reading and Vocabulary Models and Tools were an inspiration to see and gifts to receive. Reminding us of the importance of tapping into prior knowledge and emphasising the purpose for reading. I personally enjoyed the vocab templates for before, during and after reading sessions and have subsequently used them often. Vocab Wall has made a ressurection in my classroom - invaluable and readily accessed resource for learners.

Finally, because I am a visual learner myself, I loved the Create and Share days best. For children to have the opportunities to express themselves to an authentic audience that can respond and comment positively. I plan to go back over my saved 'nuggets' and continue to implement them in my classroom as much as possible. Thank you very much to Naomi, Georgi and definitely my mentor, Kiri who went beyond the call of duty at times to help me out.

Follow up reader Profile Survey (Room 6)

 Some interesting discussions were had with the children after we completed this second survey. 

                                  February 2025                                                             August 2025                                                               

 

When I asked what had changed with 3 students now not so sure about liking reading at school, They responded with "We like reading at home now just as much as at school!!" 

The graphs for reading books in my own time for enjoyment also changed to mainly 3 and 4's which is pleasing to see. They are choosing to read because they now can and they enjoy reading as an activity. 

Number 4's pie chart backs up how they choosing to now read for enjoyment. 100% as opposed to 70 % back in February. Great result.

When I shared the Conclusion below from our February Reflection, with my learners, they responded to the changes they recognise (which I have written in purple)

Conclusion:

When asked how we could improve our enjoyment and amount of reading in our own time (slide 2) the children came up with some great ideas:

*Paul said he would like to take his Duffy books home as soon as he got them because he had chosen them and so he thought he would like to have them next to his bed to read when he liked.

Normally the children keep their Duffy books at school so they can read during Silent Reading or Reading Rotations.

Marie: "Yeah, I love being able to take my Duffy books home when I get them because I can read if things are quiet and then I can put them next to my bed in a big pile."

*Fa’alili asked me if I could suggest more books when we go to the library for him to read. He said he is enjoying the BFG which I am reading to the class each afternoon. 

Fa'alili: "Mrs Yumul has been helping find more books about Dinosaurs and not just in our Library time."

*Cassey and then Paul and Zuriel agreed with her that ‘When we go to the school library, we should be ‘realistic’ about the books we can actually read. Maybe just choose one we really want to read.’

Cassey says she has dropped her books to just one because then she chooses one she really wants and can get through it in one week. The two boys are avid readers so it is easy for them to read the two allocated number of book each week.

The above * points are the ones we would like to focus on this year, as we attempt to increase our enjoyment of reading books in our own time. 

I wholeheartedly agreed and Mrs Yumul, our Librarian said she would also assist the children in finding just the right book/s for them to enjoy.

In conclusion the children are becoming more fluent and confident readers, who are developing a deep love of reading.

Day 8 Creating

 I must be a very visual and tactile learner. Today's 'Creativity' focus was fabulous and right up my street!!! I have found over the year's that the children love creating responses to their learning in so many different ways and today I learned of a whole lot more to inspire my children.

I really enjoyed having my belief in combining the sciences/technology with the Arts confirmed so articulately. It encourages 'social innovation' which is so relevant and important to our society right now and going forward. Being creative allows one to think deeply and laterally in new ways.

Once again the visuals of this chart inspire me to make sure I include a variety of ways to encourage learners to be creative. Often, I will include the mode that is my strength and not focus on the others, which could easily be strengths of learners in my class.

Oh my goodness! I can't wait to try some of these out. I have used screencast before but would like to look at 'Storyboard That' and 'Book Creator.' Great tools to encourage creative responses.

Once again a very simple way to envisage designing two equally important and relevant creative responses to texts. The words say it all - 'tighter' being more presecriptive and 'looser' transferring new and deeper creativity involving collaboration and choice to the learner. Offering both of these options would/should meet the needs of most of the class.

I enjoyed the 'Book Trailer' session with Fiona too as I can see the creative learning, collaboration and enjoyment that can be had using this hands on tool. Everyone likes to 'make a movie.' It's a great way of encouraging those children to whom reading is not a strength, to have a go at sharing the merits of a story in a different way.

In being more creative, one is more likely to be engaged in one's learning - this is what I am taking away from today's learning. thank you Naomi, Kiri and Fiona.