I really liked how the teacher in the video utilized many tools to incorporate a balanced literacy program. For example, she used a flashlight as a pointing tool so students could be interactive with their reading. I also found her very insightful, she had many great ideas for linking everyday life experiences with literacy, such as restaurants, i.e. creating menus, having role play, incoroprating math, social studies, science into the literacy development. I also liked the fact that she had common words posted in one form or another around the room for students to have quick acess to without dirupting their creative flow or interupting other students or the teacher. I could go on and on about the great things this teacher used in her classroom. I will definately try to incorporate alot of these strategies in my own classroom.
Jennifer Jaeger-Rodych
The CTELL video was incredibly informative on how to incorporate literacy into a variety of lessons. I felt that this woman did an excellent job of using a balanced literacy program in her classroom. She made excellent use of centers where students could work with her or individually. There was a variety of examples of guided reading and vocabulary development. I really liked how she was constantly using probing questions that would engage the students into reflection and discussion. Her classroom appears to be a comfortable learning enviornment with a variety of colourful decorations and textprint. With the use of the word wall, days of the week words, numbers, centers and many more educational tools it appears that she provided a highly resourcefull classroom to help facilitate a literacy program in her classroom. I enjoyed how she had the students take home a "sound bag" and discuss as a group what each student brought from home. This is an excellent way to encourage literacy at home and in school. It also makes for a connection between the students home environment and classroom. Most of all, I really liked the menu activity that she worked on with her students. Having the students look at a menu to get ideas about creating their own restaurant reinforced that literacy is all around us. I was a creative, fun approach to having the students incorporate literacy in a variety of ways- without even realizing it. This activity would also help to instil community building with in the classroom. I feel that this was an excellent video to show us TCs as it gives us ideas for our future classroom. It also shows us what well managed classroom looks like!
Andrea Paglialunga
I agree with Andrea in regards to the importance of engaging the students by encouraging the students to discuss and reflect on what they have learned. I also noticed that the teacher in the video asked questions throughout the activity rather than waiting which also encouraged students to reflect. I also felt that the activities the teacher used in her classroom were centered upon activities outside of the classroom which reflected a sense of connection with the students. The sharing activity was definitely an excellent way for students to make these connections. The teacher was truly effective in making literacy appear almost everywhere in her classroom such that students would constantly be exposed to text, pictures and symbols. I agree that this is an excellent resource for us TCs!
Harpreet Kainth
Watching this video was not only informative but was truly an eye opener as to what goes on in a kindergarten classroom. I have not yet had the opportunity to volunteer in a JK or SK classroom, and was not aware of all the various activities and learning strategies that go into making their day. I found this teacher to be so incredibly organized which is such a critical aspect of being a teacher, especially a kindergarten teacher. All the activities that she implements on a day to day basis truly enhance these children’s understandings of routines and structure. I absolutely loved how everything in the classroom was colour coded and organized. I think the clothespin system of signing out to keep track of students who leave the classroom is such a great idea. This ensures that if there were an emergency situation she would know the exact location of the children. I believe systems like this should be integrated into every classroom. It makes it easier on the teacher or a supply teacher and ultimately maintains proper safety of the students. Another activity I thought was great was the homework word bag. To have students go home and actually find objects that have the letter they were assigned is such a great way to introduce their letters, sounds and as a basic introduction to having homework. This also gets parents involved so they have an idea what their children are learning and can take part in helping them locate the appropriate items. In my opinion this was an ideal teacher and an ideal way to run a classroom. From colour coding text books, to the daily message to even finding ways to spontaneously teach lessons on the spot (ie.light bulb); every aspect of running her classroom to enhance the learning of her students is covered. Orally, visually, written, and hands on. I believe the true success in student’s academics comes from the foundation of a good teacher and excellent classroom management, just like the teacher and examples that were shown in this video.
~Lindsey Strong
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