Language Arts/Reading Philosophy

I believe that the center of an effective reading program should foster and cultivate the love of learning literature. It is important that reading is not only interesting and enjoyable; but furthermore comprehendible to each student. Comprehension not only comes in the form of answering questions but of viewing visuals to make connections, and being able to express those connections in turn verbally and visually. I believe that the skills of listening to others and verbally expressing oneself are critical to academic success. I believe that I using different reading strategies (inferencing, context clues, questioning, making connections, understanding main idea) is critical to building comprehension. I believe that as a teacher, it is my job to provide an opportunity for students to be engaged with multiple types of texts. As a teacher I will assist students in exploring their own and other cultures through literature; and develop an understanding and appreciation of literature as part of history and the human condition, this will help them make more meaningful human connections. I believe that students must communicate effectively through written and oral form. I believe that writing is a basic skill that must be developed in all areas of curriculum not just Language Arts, and taught so that the student is prepared for their writing future. I will create a safe community where students can express their opinions and understanding of a text or a peers writing. I believe that creating an environment that enables students to become independent, self-motivated learners is crucial to effective classroom management and an effective learning environment. I will enable students to develop an awareness and understanding of what they think, feel and value and take ownership of their learning and work

Goals for students It is my goal that my students will have the skills to be independent thinkers and workers, and effective readers and writers; that they will learn to think critically when reading and be confident about their skills. It is my goal that all language arts instruction in my classroom will develop engaged, reflexive, and strategic learners. It is my goal that my students enjoy learning and can apply their knowledge of language arts across the content areas. It is my goal that my students will recognize my love of reading and writing, and develop their own passion and desire for great literature. It is my goal that in my classroom to develop excellent writers and speakers; furthermore that the students are exposed to superior writing and excellent literature. It is my goal for the students to view writing as a craft and to be able to examine it from a critical perspective. It is my goal to facilitate this ability so that the students understand, and know how to use this ability to enhance and effectively communicate through oral and written word. It is my goal that my students will: use the 6-traits of writing to compose and revise their writing. take risks with their writing engage readers with excellent and thoughtful word choice connect their writing to real life, real concerns, and real fears. It is my goal that through classroom instruction the students learn to read, view, and listen so that they are able to construct meaning. It is my goal that students learn to respond to self/teacher/peer questions using critical thinking and reflect on their answers and thoughts. It is my goal that students will think about their thinking to construct connections and meaning. It is my goal that my students will: listen to what their peers are saying and pay attention to verbal details. Engage in different types of texts to expand their reading comprehension. Obtain an appreciation of literature that will hold their interest in and out of the classroom.

Design for Instruction In my classroom I will use a variety of techniques and resources to accomplish my goals for my students. I believe that flexible grouping practices enhance the students learning experience; therefore I will group students in several ways based on the content of my daily curriculum, what I want them to accomplish, who I think will be beneficial to their learning, and how their abilities may accomplish the task. It is important to work with the students in several different ways so that the goal I set for them and myself each day can be accomplished. I will work with my students whole, half, small group, and one-on-one based on the lesson and curriculum. I believe in a balance of being structured and flexible in my daily schedule. Each day roughly 40 minutes will be dedicated to readers workshop, and small group and 45 minutes will be dedicated to writers workshop; as well as 20 min for phonics, time for centers, and 20 minutes after lunch for independent reading/shared reading. I believe that a well stocked and varied classroom library is critical to the students reading success. I will have a variety of materials available for them to read and for me to read with them in small group. I also believe that a teacher is never done learning, so I will continue to research new strategies as well as use the resources available to me (smartboard, internet, ELMO, skill books, other teachers) to help my students be successful in my classroom. I believe that a balanced literacy program is what will help my students become successful readers in and out of the classroom. My balanced literacy program will provide my students with daily opportunities of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. We will work on many different levels during readers workshop and will incorporate a variety literacy techniques, including: partner reading, choral reading, guided reading, leveled and mixed reading groups, and independent reading. This strategy will be the same during writers workshop where interactive, smallgroup, and independent writing activities will include a variety of techniques that will be used to enhance my students writing skills.