Philosophy discussion with kindergarten teacher on literacy instruction:
This teacher believes that a firm foundation in literacy is the key to student success in school, community, and the outside world and that students need to be grounded in the five components of literacy. She thinks that it is our responsibility as teachers to educate both students and families about the importance of literacy.
She believes that direct instruction, having a literacy rich environment, and early identification and intervention are critical. In addition to providing explicit instruction in the essential elements, she also believes that we need to incorporate students’ prior knowledge and provide multiple opportunities for students to interact about lesson content.
In practice, she has a very organized program and classroom and uses the Common Core Standards. She teaches in a district that is very “cutting edge”, providing on-going professional development and often being on the forefront of innovations in Colorado, so she is a believer in life-long learning and using current formats and resources. She uses the Daily 5, CAFÉ, Words Their Way, Lucy Calkins, Kagan strategies, and Guided Reading in her classroom. Apparently Daily 5 and CAFÉ includes an accountability piece in which she conferences with students and parents and sets learning goals. She has found this to be motivating to her kindergartners. She also mentioned that she differentiates instruction for both struggling and gifted learners in addition to doing whole class activities.
I was very impressed by this teacher’s dedication and comprehensive approach to literacy instruction.
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