Day 15

We have mixed the groups up this morning in order to accommodate their in class work they were competing with their teacher.  I have 4 boys and 1 girl today in Group 1 and 3 girls and 1 boy in Group 2. They were very quick to get in and get started since I will only be on campus 2 days this week. I believe that they are nearing the end of their chapter books and eager to read through completely for the final summary. 

Unlike most days, they have asked to sit more comfortably on the ground. It was a brief conversation that was an explained scenario, "If we can sit anywhere like you always say, does that mean the ground too?" Me, "Of course, but remember the school rule, no laying down and enjoy the reading!" It is a school rule to not lay on the ground for health reasons.

Group 1:

We had one student complete his book today and he found such a great sense of accomplishment. He not only finished a chapter book, but one with 15 chapters! This was something that built self-esteem and confidence to continue reading harder and longer books for him in the future. Another girl has mentioned that she wishes to challenge herself and read the longest chapter books at higher levels to keep learning new words and be the best reader. She can't live without reading for one day and this would help her not read so many books all the time.

Group 2:

One of my student participants is very soft spoken and has struggled to share in the discussions. Today she was not afraid or shy to tell about what she read and her favorite part. I am so proud that she feels comfortable enough to share now!  Within time, the students should gain a sense of safety and comfort sharing with their peers. It is how we learn and honestly the most fun to hear other peoples understandings. The students are social walking to the library with me and on the playground and now they are very social when it comes to their books they are reading!  I am confident this will continue in their lives and schooling and benefit their learning.

I have documented the students ability to follow along in the book as they are listening and will include this in one of my several conclusions.  The key to this habit is that they are articulating the vocabulary both both reading and hearing it. This contributes to their continued improvements in fluency and comprehension too.

I great conversation we had was caught on the recording for Group 1. What if they haven't finished their book and the program has ended? It was their collective conclusion that they can check the book out at the library and continue to read it all the way through. Yeah! Another girl also said that she could use her teachers iPod that will be left in the classroom in order to continue the program there on campus for her students.

I have decided that a celebration in honor of the Listening to Literacy Grow participants was needed. This Thursday we will commemorate all that we have learned and enjoyed within the program. I hope to report back with some photos and video of their feelings about having used the Listing to Literacy Grow program.

Our bag of Materials

I have transported this bag to and from the school daily for the past few months. 

It has grown more full and gotten heavier by the week as I added books.

I will be adding a bibliography of books we utilized for the Listening to Literacy Grow program to the blog.