| Four Blocks Method of Instruction |
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Working With Words Block
This block allows students to explore words, word families (patterns), spelling, and phonics, and to see how they can use what they learn about words in their reading and writing.
This block begins daily by studying words from the Word Wall. These words will be displayed on our wall all year for students to use as a resource. They are high-frequency words - grade-level words used frequently in reading and writing - that we expect students to spell correctly in their writing. We will use movements, such as clapping, snapping, and cheering, to learn to spell the words. We have a number of other activities to interest children during this word exploration time. |
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Guided Reading
During this block of time, we focus on reading comprehension skills-those strategies that help readers make sense out of the print on the page. We also work on our reading fluency-the smoothness with which we read text. The teacher will direct a lesson about a particular story or text with all of the students. Afterwards, our students will practice reading pairs or small groups. Then, the teacher will again work with the whole group of students to discuss what they have learned. Students will get a great deal of support from their teacher, from their classmates, and will work toward becoming independent readers. |
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Writing
During this block, students will learn to think about and use their knowledge of phonics to write compositions. Along with applying phonics, they will have an opportunity to practice penmanship, to learn about the writing process, grammar, and the mechanics of good writing. Writing will include interactive writing, patterned writing, and informational text. Then, all students will write their own story or composition, using their best guesses about spelling. On certain days, the students will work individually with the teacher to learn to correct their errors, and they may publish their work as a book to be enjoyed by other classmates. At the end of the writing time each day, a few students will share their work with the class. It's truly surprising what an impact this block has on reading! Sometimes, the first text a child learns to read is his own. |
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Self-Selected Reading
During this block, students will have an opportunity to see themselves as readers and will build their fluency, the ability to read smoothly. The block will begin with the teacher reading aloud an enjoyable story or text to the students. Then, each student will read from their individual book boxes to read independently for an extended amount of time, usually no more than twenty minutes.Book boxes are leveled for each individual child. During this time, the teacher will have individual conferences with designated students. Together, they will discuss the book, and the teacher will be able to evaluate the students's growth in reading. At the end of the block, the Star Reader will read hi/her selection to the class. The class will then compliment the Star Reader on good reading strategies they exhibited. |
