Next Steps

Reflecting back on previous cycles, I think that the boys are grasping a deeper understanding in reading through a series of individual conferences, coaching, strategy lessons, as well as some inspirational read alouds, exposure to a variety of reading materials, and the use of visual arts to stimulate their thinking as readers.

From the observation notes and data collected, Jesse has shown some obvious improvement in cycle #3. He was reading and working more independently without frequent prompting and reminders from teachers. This shows how much he was into reading poetry that are highly connected to his own life. From this, I could imply that Jesse enjoys reading materials that are generally shorter, and that do not have successive episodes like a chapter book, or a picture book. Reading poetry has allowed him to read many 'stories' in one seating that he unconsciously has not realized how much he has been reading on his own.

Nathan has been showing some improvement as well from cycle 1 to cycle 2, however the progress seems to be slowing down in cycle # 3. He did enjoy using artwork to help his reading, however, he did not seem to be as independent as he appeared in the second cycle. He required support and prompting more frequently than Jesse in cycle # 3.

In light of this, my next steps are to share this information and implication with Ms. Jane, as we continue to persevere our goals to help students grow through learning to read and write. Both boys will benefit greatly from ongoing individual conferences, coaching, and small group strategy lessons. Both of the need to have lessons that are tailored to them that gear towards a simple, but yet, explicit teaching point that they can focus on.