Michelle's+Page+on+Theories

Michelle's Page

Small group instruction allows teachers to work with and help more than one student.

Most children can learn to read in Grad 1 and reading on grade level if children receive balanced instruction that includes:

Word recognition Comprehension Phonemic awareness Alphabetic principal Applying phonics to connected texts

It seems that 1st grade is the critical age for reading to take place. If students are not reading or are struggling by the end of 1st grade they will continue to struggle thorughout their schooling, hence if their initial level of reading is deficient then it will continue this way thus conceptually is seen as the Matthew Effect. Those that have initial good starts will then have greater success in reading. In order to assure that struggling readers catch up to peers or to make sure children from the beginning have potential for success, then it is important to provide a healthy, balanced diet of the following:

Setting the foundation for literacy through implementation of phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension and reading fluency.

Sytematic intoduction of and instruction in letter-sound relationships.

Vocabulary highlighted for all students and for English language learners.