Amy Kemper Blog Post #7 Chapter 12 You Only Have so Much Time

As I come and go every day to teach I feel that quite often I find that I didn’t get to teach each lesson I had planned. Every day the schedule has to follow a routine. Meaning that if the students are struggling I may have to slow down or if they are performing well I have to continue. This means that out of the 5 groups I teach I will be on different lessons for each group. As a teacher at times I have to remind myself to leave the school work behind and enjoy life outside of school. Teaching is not a 9-5 job in my opinion, it carries out through meetings, lesson plans, grading, IEP writing, and many more items that are important to carry out a successful school day for the students.  Without the pre planning it would not allow the school day to be utilized the best way for each student. When I plan it is important that I plan effective lessons for each group for not just myself but also my assistants so they are able to also feel comfortable administering the lessons to the students. With all the planning and lessons it is also important to ensure the students feel safe and comfortable at school. I know that I can only control what happens at school and can only hope that when the students leave to go home they will remember the lessons and that they enjoy themselves then too. Routman made me think more about several items when planning my school year. What are my expectations of their learning and how will I present the material, assess they material, and truly know they understand it.

Amy Kemper Blog Post #6 Routman Chapter 10 Examine Guided Reading

While reading this chapter in Routman it talked about guided reading through small group instruction utilizing a manageable text. In this small groups students are placed based on their levels to support effective reading strategies. In my self-contained classroom with moderate levels I have students in small groups by both functional and academic abilities. When placing the students due to the various varieties it allows the lessons to be modified and accommodate their needs.  Some students are working on letter recognition while others are working on word recognition.  In each group the students practice their skills and they are able to be closely monitored and assessed throughout each lesson.  Based on the students’ progress I am able to assess and decide the appropriate steps to take to move forward. Overall, this flexible guide allows lots of possibilities to apply for each students. Within the small group it also helps motivate each peer due to the similar levels to push one another to work hard in each lesson.

Amy Kemper Blog Post #5 Routman Chapter 5 Classroom Library

As I read this chapter I kept reflecting on my classroom library. I thought about the various grade levels and ability levels in my classroom. I also know that in order to use books that will maintain the interest of my students it will have to be a lower level based around grade standards that I modify to their level. I used to have a job set up in the room as the “librarian” where the students had to organize the books. Unfortunately, I realized how many books were being “mistreated” as I felt the students didn’t possess the understanding of the importance of books. Throughout this chapter I realized the importance of letting the students continue to handle the books and to introduce each one the importance of the books. The books could be used not only to look through but rather take a journey and let them relate to the books. Routman reinforced the importance of organizing the books. I found that organizing the books by subject helped the students stay focused on the topics we were using was important. My students don’t understand that one is a higher reader than the other however, they do recognize that when they see an animal book they want an animal book too. I found that by putting them by topics, the students would be using the similar books and sharing what they found with their peers. I have really enjoyed watching my students take a new appreciation of the books.