This Assignment will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the concepts and strategies you have learned as you consider the important components of a balanced approach to reading instruction.
Explore a comprehensive early literacy experience by reviewing the first grade lessons presented in Chapter 9 of your eBook. Review “Special Feature 9.1” (p. 261–272) and pay close attention the details of Figure 9.1: “Reading Workshop” on p. 271. This identifies the strategies used to help students construct a personal understanding of reading, to build decoding and comprehension skills as well as how a teacher can integrate writing into the reading lesson.
You will be using this information to write an analysis detailing the important components and strategies used in a blended reading program and applying appropriate assessment strategies for early reading and writing. You will see examples of this in the “Lessons from Three Experienced First Grade Teachers” in your eBook in Chapter 9. After completing the reading, use what you have learned to respond to the following questions:
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Write an introduction explaining what you believe is meant by a “comprehensive approach to literacy instruction”? How does it incorporate aspects of both the Emergent Literacy and Scientifically Based Reading Research Approach (review Chapter 1)? (Guidelines: approximately 1 paragraph)
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Name the 8 parts of the Reading Workshop (Figure 9.1 in your eBook) and provide an example of each part. For example, teaching a phonics lesson or a word identification strategy could be an example of a “mini-lesson.” A teacher might call aside a small group of students struggling with letter sounds, while the rest of the class is working on independent reading as an example of “differentiated” instruction. Use examples from the Chapter 9 reading or come up with your own. (Guidelines: approximately 1–2 pages)
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Review what you have learned about different forms of assessment (ongoing and on-demand) and provide some examples of each that might be used in this comprehensive approach to literacy instruction. (See Chapter 7) (Guidelines: approximately 1 paragraph)
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Write a conclusion summarizing the benefits of a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction and why it is an effective philosophy. Summarize any insights you have gained about children’s literacy development. (Guidelines: approximately 1 paragraph)
Writing Requirements:
Your paper approximately 3–6 pages long, typed, double-spaced and in a 12 point font size (Arial or Times New Roman). You must include a title page and a reference page (but these do not count in the 3–6 page requirements). The paper should follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.). Your writing should be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful. Your work should display quality content, organization, style, and mechanics.
Use APA style for citations (review documents in Course Home and Doc Sharing). There should be no plagiarism. More details can be found in the GEL 1.1 Universal Writing Rubric located under “Course Home” in the CLA section. You should also review the grading rubric in your class Syllabus for details on the criteria used to grade this Assignment.
For help with citations/references please refer to the APA Quick Reference Guide under Course Home and also visit the KU Writing Center. The grading rubric that will be used to evaluate your Final Assignment is located in your class Syllabus.
