Reading Assignment #10

For this reflection I read Dorn Ch. 4: Guided Reading.

      This chapter was all about the guided reading groups. One strong point made in this chapter was that these reading groups need to be flexible; if a child is left in the same group all year, nothing will be accomplished.  Another point made through out this chapter was the necessity to make sure the students have CAP and other basics of reading before placed into guided reading groups.  The one thing I want to take away from this lesson is that guided reading groups are possible for the regular teacher to do.  I also want to remember that even though a child reads on one level now, that does not mean he will need to be in the same group 4 weeks from now.

Bingham Elementary School Field Trip

       My first impression of Bingham Elementary was how small the school seemed to be; but after I stepped in, I could feel the hominess to it.  When the teacher started the Daily 5 and Guided Reading, you could tell the students had been doing this for a while now. There was definitely a routine.  It was interesting to actually see things I have learned in class put into action.  I hope to one day have a classroom that is as rich in literature as this classroom seemed to be.

Reading Response #9

For this response, I was required to read Harvey & Goudvis Ch. 1 "Reading is Thinking"

This chapter was all about teaching children to comprehend what they read.  Although as teachers, we have a lot on our plates, if we teach students to comprehend what they read, then teaching will become an easier task.  I think this teaching strategy could be used for any class subject.  If a child is comprehending what he is learning, then our jobs will be 100 times easier.

Conference Day 2011

On Conference Day I attended the session called Redemption from the World of Human Trafficking.  This session was taught by Rev. Mike Bartel who currently resides in Las Vegas.  I was really excited to hear from Mike because my family are really good friends with his.  I have been babysat his kids before. 
The Bartel's minstry is focused around getting girls away from slavery.  Everytime I hear the statistics for missing children and how many become sex slaves, my heart falls. How can a country that offers freedom, not help these kids out?  I'm so glad for people like the Bartel's who can give their lives to changing the lives of others.