Literacy plays an exceptionally significant role in my classroom. Literacy learning is intertwined with almost every facet of the curriculum, therefore as a classroom teacher it is vital for me to ensure my students are engaged in literacy programs, and it is always my aim to facilitate a love of reading and writing.
Here are some strategies that I use for reading and writing in my classroom:
Reading:
Here are some strategies that I use for reading and writing in my classroom:
Reading:
- Modelled reading- I model reading to my students by reading out loud to the class using a range of text types (including but not limited to picture books, non-fiction, fiction). This type of reading allows me to expose my students to a more complex level of reading, which they may not be capable of yet. Modelled reading is something that I regularly use in my classroom as it provides students with a vocabulary that they may not have been exposed to yet, and I can provide them with meaning for it, and therefore they can use this newfound vocabulary in their reading and writing.
- Shared reading- At a junior level, I often incorporate shared reading by using ‘big books’ in the classroom. These (larger than normal) books are very effective in basic print conventions such as grammar, punctuations, genre, connecting pictures to text, etc.
- Guided reading- This is something that I aim to undertake in every literacy lesson. It allows me to work closely with a small group within the classroom, and these groups are sorted based on ability. During the session we will read the book together, and I will prompt students to express ideas about the text and talk about the ideas within the text. Guided reading informs my practice as I am able to assess my students reading more thoroughly and can create learning goals for them according to their needs.
- Independent reading- Independent reading is also something that I aim to incorporate into my classroom each day. I always encourage students to read at a level that is suited to them, and I work to increase their fluency and confidence in their reading abilities. My students are also encouraged to find texts that cover subjects interesting to them, and therefore reading can remain stimulating and exciting for them. If students are reading something that they have a vested interest in, they often will continue to read which in turn will continue to strengthen their fluency.
Writing:
- Modelled writing- This is something that I utilise often in my classroom. I model writing for my students using a large font on the whiteboard, interactive board or paper. I ensure I demonstrate appropriate writing practices such as sitting properly, using the correct hand grip, stretching out sounds, using correct grammar, etc. It is useful for me to provide my students with a clear example of the writing task that they are about to undertake, so they have a firm idea of what is expected of them.
- Shared writing- Writing collaboratively as a class is a great way to build confidence in my students. By creating a text with my class, and myself it allows my students to feel supported in their writing. As I scribe, students can share their thoughts and ideas, which together form our piece of writing.
- Guided writing- This is used in my classroom when the need arises itself, such as having a group of students who need more support in their writing, or having a group who need to be extended in their writing.
- Independent writing- I love facilitating independent writing in my classroom as it is a wonderful chance for students to show their improving skills, and creative ideas. It supports students in expanding their vocabulary and fluency, and gives them practice in many different writing forms.
ICT:
Where an opportunity is available, I like to incorporate ICT into my literacy learning. During reading rotations I will often place one group on a computer based activity, which provides them with a visual and verbal aid when completing their reading and writing tasks. I also read books on the interactive whiteboard, which can provide a more interactive experience for students when they can assist with ‘turning’ the page etc. There are also many websites that provide engaging literacy activities for students such as Studyladder, which I like to use as a change of context from their reading and writing books, and help to solidify their literacy learning.