|
Copyright 2005 James L. Bumgarner, Reich College of Education,
Appalachian
|
|
|
Artifact #1 |
Artifact 1. RE 5100 first test This is a question from an examination in the "Teaching Beginning Reading and Writing" class. The intent of the question is to ensure teachers have a clear understanding of what reading concepts should be expected from a student as the student transitions from kindergarten to first grade. Context: This artifact was part of an examination in the "Teaching Beginning Reading and Writing" class taught by Dr. Morris. The lesson, and points of discussion, focused on the importance of modeling, and the need to have a basic understanding of the alphabet and a small sight word vocabulary. Strong correlations with future reading success are evident when the curriculum stresses alphabet knowledge, concept of word, spelling that stresses beginning and ending consonants, and development of a sight word vocabulary. Acquiring the structural elements of print, gaining an attitude that reading is important and enjoyable, and being read to with interesting materials are very influential in the development process of early readers (Snow, 180). Impact: Answering the question about "Which crucial literary understandings should be mastered in kindergarten?" helped me to better understand how a struggling reader can be identified early as being below standards, and continue to lack required reading skills, when they enter elementary school. Also, this reflection has clearly instilled in me the importance that a young child must hear, see, and explore print at a young age. It is not so much as a race from kindergarten, but a steady slope, and each step must be mastered before the climb can continue. Adult supervision is a vital component to a young child becoming a successful reader. Alignment: Standard A: Instructional Expertise By completing the the "Beginning Reading and Writing Class" I have been able to understand and utilize the findings from educational literature into the classroom and use it to improve student's learning. Additionally, this approach to teaching beginning readers is among the best practices in the field of reading research. Standard C: Research The
"Beginning Reading and Writing" class allowed me to critically read and
apply theoretical and philosophical research in contemporary educational
literature. Standard D: Content Knowledge The analysis of the literature and the answering of the examination question allowed me to articulate the relationship between the theory, research findings, and the current practices in use by Davie County Schools in the reading curriculum of kindergarten and the "first steps" program.
|
