Getting to Know Literacy Learners, Pre K-3
Children enter our classrooms each day coming from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. No matter the differences, each child needs the opportunity to feel successful in the classroom and it is our jobs as teachers to create a safe, educational environment to help them succeed. Educators use a variety of assessment tools and activities to determine students’ strengths and areas for growth. By looking at the collected data, teachers can make instructional decisions that not only improve students’ learning, but also their own teaching (Tompkins, 2010, p. 75).
I used two different reading assessments to gain additional information regarding my students' developmental levels. First I used the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey (McKenna & Kear, 1990) which allowed me to learn more about the students' attitudes toward reading and toward academic and recreational reading. This non cognitive assessment was kindergarten-friendly as I read the questions aloud and the students could look at the pictures to decide their answer. I also used the Fountas & Pinnell (2012) running records system, which is a cognitive assessment that helps determine students’ independent, instructional and frustration levels. Overall, these assessments helped me comprehend and appreciate the various growths that my students experience and the reading challenges that they face (Afflerbach, 2007).
References
Afflerbach, P. (2--7). Understanding and using reading assessment K-12 ed.). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
Fountas & Pinnell (2012). Retrieved on May 17, 2013 from http://www.heinemann.com/fountasandpinnell/default.aspx
McKenna, M.C., & Kear, D.J. (1990). Measuring attitude toward reading: A new tool for teachers. The Reading Teacher, 43(9), 626-639
Tompkins, G.E. (2010). Literacy for the 21st century: A balanced approach (5th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Afflerbach, P. (2--7). Understanding and using reading assessment K-12 ed.). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
Fountas & Pinnell (2012). Retrieved on May 17, 2013 from http://www.heinemann.com/fountasandpinnell/default.aspx
McKenna, M.C., & Kear, D.J. (1990). Measuring attitude toward reading: A new tool for teachers. The Reading Teacher, 43(9), 626-639
Tompkins, G.E. (2010). Literacy for the 21st century: A balanced approach (5th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.