Artifact # 8
Word Box: Used in the classroom to assess students with word study.
Context
This word box was created in my class during my pre-service training.
I made the word box so I could assess students' knowledge on word study.
The word box is broken into different segments, each working with different
parts of language. The different segments include words/pictures
beginning with the same consonant, word patterns, and word families.
Impact
A word box is a great way to assess students learning. I plan
on using the word box in my classroom because I think it is a great way
to work with students on different levels. When I use my word box,
I think it is really important to keep a journal of the students' progress
as well. This will help me learn how I can help the students and
see how they are improving.
Alignment
By assessing students learning using a word box, I will provide learning
opportunities that will support their intellectual, social, and personal
development (INTASC #2). I
believe a word box can help me do this because it is one way of reinforcing
a student’s knowledge on reading. I will also observe how students
differ in their approaches to learning. I will work with diverse students
and learn to work with them on different levels (INTASC
#3). I understand that students learn at different levels from
each other and a word box an allow me to focus on a particular level for
each student (i.e. one student may need help with beginning sounds and
another student may need help with vowel patterns). The word box
is one way to assess students' knowledge on subject matter (INTACS
# 8) because it allows me to see how much students’ know in a particular
area and lets me know in what areas they need help. I will be able
to formally assess students by working with them one on one and seeing
how many words they get right. I will be able to informally assess
them by watching them read out loud and see how they work in group settings.
As I write reflections about how the use of the word box is helping students,
I think it is important to get feedback from students’ parents as well.
I want to learn the best way to help children learn, and I want to seek
out any opportunity that can help me do so (INTASC
#9). I think it is important to let parents know what I am doing
to help their child (i.e. with the word box). I will send home work
with children and ask their parents if they see improvement in their child’s
work.