Reading/Writing Connections Book Study

I feel extraordinarily fortunate that the teachers and administration from my previous elementary school teaching assignment have been so open and inviting when it comes to including me in the professional growth opportunities that they are exploring.  This summer they were kind enough to invite me to participate in a book study for primary teachers around the book "Reading and Writing Connections in the K-2 Classroom" written by Leah Mermelstein.  I am loving the book, but more than that I am getting so much from the expertise and insights of these wonderful teachers!!!

Today we met to discuss chapters 6 and 7 from the book, which cover the elements of balanced literacy as well as effective ways to plan and calendar for the year keeping in mind what you want student to know and have accomplished by the end of the school year.  First, I should say I have always considered myself relatively well versed in balanced literacy, my National Board certification is in Literacy: Early/Middle Childhood Reading and Language Arts for crying out loud, but this book drew out many wonderful and new (for me) examples and considerations.  Mermelstein really deepened my understanding on the subject and I was really pleased feeling as though I had some new knowledge to help me guide my students learning next year.  In this way, (and without giving out too many details-- you will have to read the book!) I really believe that a teacher at any level of experience and expertise can gain something from this read.  I was truly blown away though by the insights that my colleagues brought to the table as we began to discuss and delve into the application portion of the book study time and plan for instruction this upcoming school year.  Today we worked on planning and evaluating the first 30 days of our literacy instruction and discussed how we set-up the systems and expectations for reading, writing and word work lessons in the classroom so that students and teacher are able to successfully learn and utilize their time.  I contributed very little during this discussion (those who know me, know this is a rare occurrence-- I am a talker!), but instead sat back and took in some of the discussion about what has worked and not worked for these veteran 1st grade teachers in the past.  So much good insight that I can use as I start teaching in first this year!

I am really looking forward to next Tuesday.  The group will begin looking at the Benchmark Literacy (that is the curriculum our district uses) and will begin to go through the process Mermelstein suggests for planning the year into a curriculum calendar.  I am sure I will learn so much more!

Here are a few pics from our work today: