Discuss with another teacher, his/her philosophies about teaching literacy.
I discussed this topic with two teachers and a student. When I posed the question initially, the one teacher and student focused specifically on the writing portion of literacy. We all agreed upon these principles of instruction at the middle school level: Instruction should be fun, provide choice, be authentic, be rich in new topics of interest, be challenging, have high expectations, and allow for flexibility in the process.
I then talked with another instructor who utilizes the philosophies associated with "reading like a writer and write like a reader." We both agreed that reading good mentor texts are critical in inspiring good writing. We also feel like we want and need more tools to be able to help our low readers. As middle school teachers, we lack instruction around emergent literacy, and we strive to acquire it, so we can put in place interventions that are severly lacking at the middle school level.
Ultimately, all of us believe that we can all improve if given the right tools, guidance, and motivation.
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteIt is so important that middle school teachers are are able to put those interventions in place to help low readers. I'm hoping this program is offering you different strategies that you can use. Motivation is key in promoting literacy with middle schoolers! Good post.
Donna