Analyzing Student Data

 

One of the primary reasons I delved into a focus in literacy was to learn how to analyze student data and create lessons that will aid in student achievement. In this Literacy Learner Case Study, I had the opportunity to work one on one with a particular student from my class. During this time, I was able to analyze his reading habits and target lessons for further instruction. I was able to use best practices in reading assessments to develop lessons that were meaningful, engaging, and useful in helping this student achieve more fluency and apply more spelling patterns.

 

 

 

 

New Programs and Working Together

 

As I learned more about how to create reading lessons based off of assessments, I also attained information on a great spelling and phonics program called Words Their Way. I worked with other academic peers to read this text in a book club. Then, we collaboratively created a website to display our newfound knowledge. I have found this resource so useful and use the information in my teaching today. Words Their Way lets students work at their own pace and also allows students to discover patterns and rules from discovery. This shows my ability to work with others and to remain open to continuous learning. It also shows my knowledge in analyzing and implementing a new program effectively.

 

 

 

 

Analyzing a Book

 

There is so much to be said about classic literature: there is truly nothing like it! However, it is important (with the uprise of technology and the movie industry) to analyze how literature is being recreated into different mediums. I looked deeply into Peter Pan, a well-known piece of literature. I discovered that it has several movies, other novels, articles, and even a clothing line associated with it. It is vital to literature to not only discover where it came from but analyze where it is going in our future. In this paper, I recount how different movies made from the classic story by J.M. Barrie are shaped by our culture, gender roles, and humanity. They each take on a varying stance and it is vital for viewers to critically analyze these choices.

 

 

 

 

 

What is Award-Winning Literature?

 

Just like it is of utmost importance to analyze where literature has come from and where it is going, it is also important to dive into what truly makes quality literature. Most everyone has heard of the popular awards such as the Newbery Award and the Caldecott Award; however there are several other awards that highlight noteworthy topics and themes. Moreover, there is something to be said about discussion surrounding what truly makes up quality literature. Even though texts have been noted as award-winning, I have learned that teachers need to truly take a deep look into what literature they are exposing their students to.

 

 

 

 

 

Special Education and Literacy

 

I have always wanted to know more about special education when I became a teacher so I sought out more information about it. I have created a website that serves as a collection of some of my knowledge I have obtained on special education and how to maximize learning in the general education classroom. The website is inclusive of a blog where I reflect about modification and adaptations. It also includes a framework for inclusion for all students: even student who cannot write or read. These findings are essential to servicing all students to the best of my ability in literacy. I have also analyzed student data and have devised an Individual Education Plan based off of assessments and observations. This not only gave me another perspective on a student's education, but it also gave me another way of understanding the best way to provide services to students.  

 

 

 

Literacy in Social Studies

 

Not only is literacy vital in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, it is also essential as a main component for all other subjects areas. Incorporating research reading and expository writing in social studies is pivotal. Furthermore, I have shown how to do this through a specific technology, Glogster. Through this website, students can create their own interactive projects and display their knowledge on a topic in a applicable, interesting way! The teacher can even manage his or her class through the website as well.

 

 

 

Literacy in Science

 

Speaking and listening are vital parts of literacy. Incorporating these ideas into other subject areas like science is important for optimal understanding. This is an example of a digital story I have made for my students to introduce a lesson on Forces of Motion. I used this technology to encourage them to discuss prior knowledge on scientific topics. I also have used this technology as a way for students to produce their own digital stories. This gives them a way to demonstrate their knowledge of a specific topic. Digital stories are a wonderful way of incorporating literacy into other content areas and showing them is an interactive approach to engaging students.

 

 

 

Literacy in Mathematics

 

"Math is numbers!" is a phrase I hear students say all of the time! I have been working on how to incorporate literacy into mathematics as a way to explain one's thinking. Technology is, yet again, an essential way of carrying this idea out. Using Dipity, I have created a timeline to display my life. I have also incorporated a lesson plan that goes along with this technology and explains how to engage students while allowing them to express their mathematical thinking through writing. For each event, students can also add an explanation of that event. Another great component of literacy that is incorporated in this lesson is the ability to leave comments on peers' projects.