Observation Update continued...

Hello again everyone..I didn't finish my post from yesterday, had some computer issues and had to log off, but everythnig is resolved now. So as I was saying, the student that I will be working with is an ESL student whose primary language is Greek. He speak English but is not on his level yet. From what the teacher told him he reads on 4th grade level and is in 5th grade, so that is not so bad. He also has ADHD so he is considered a special needs student as well. The classroom he is needs which I observed for the day is a co-teaching classroom. There are 22 students and five are special needs and five are ESL. The teacher is wonderful. The day I observed was the day before their parent-teacher conference, so the teacher was hacing the students catch up on assigngments that were due. I didn't get a chance to do the QRI-5 on my student, whom I will refer to as Socrates becuae they were doing catch-up that day. The teacher did allow me to walk arounf the room and help the students with an essay they were writing and I had the opportunityto sit with Socrates and help him with his writing assignment.

Observation update

Hello Everyone!! Sorry for the delay in blogging. I have been dealing with a medical issue. I actually did get a chanceto observe for a full day at Harbor Hill Elementary School, in Roslyn. I observed a 5th grade classroom for theentire day. The cooperating teacher is great. The student I am working with is an ESL 5th grader, whose primary language is Greek....which is great because I am fluent in Greek, so I bonded with him quickly!

COCA Assessment System

The COCA assessment system differs from the QRI-5 in the sense that the COCA does not utilize word lists to define comprehension or reading passages in the conventional way. Instead, COCA uses an unconventional method of no words on a page to assess four different dimensions of informational comprehension through the use of vocabulary knowledge (V), the use of comprehension strategy (CS), comprehension of graphics in the context of text (GCT), and knowledge of informational text features (TF). In order to assess each of the four dimensions, questions and prompts are used by the instructor. 

Students are then instructed to answer some questions by stating a missing word in a sentence or provide an answer based on what he/she heard. Graphics or pictures on the page help students to figure out the answer. Scoring for this assessment ranges from 0 – 2. If a student has several 0’s on questions assessing informational text features (TF) such as table of contents, index, glossary, labels, or pronunciation guides, the instructor can then provide additional instruction for that student. If a student scores below a 1 on several questions pertaining to vocabulary words used in informational text, such as examine, observe, and kinds, instruction can be given to improve students comprehension in that area. So basically, with each dimension, the instructor can teach to improve a student’s skills or knowledge in that area.

The COCA assessment system is an effective tool to measure student informational comprehension early elementary graders such as first and second graders, who show signs of poor comprehension. Knowing that a majority of students have a more difficult time with comprehending informational text, COCA addresses these issues by concentrating on assessing the skills and strategies needed to improve comprehension. This is definitely a system I would like to utilize as a future educator to help struggling students.

Hey guys,

As you all may have heard, I was in a car accident this past Monday evening while on my way to class. The accident happened on RT 107 right before the turn onto Northern Blvd. I was hit on my side front and back passenger doors, by a truck that coming out of the gas station and trying to make an illegal left turn. Apparently, the driver didn't see me. Luckily, I will be fine.I just hurt my back and neck but nothing is broken. However, can't say that about my car! It had to be towed away. Check out the picture of my car =(

Question for my classmates

Hey guys, after watching this video, what would you do if you asked your students if they like reading and one student responding " No, it sucks!!" How would you handle that?

WEEK 5: Reading & Writing Connection

This was a very interesting video clip to watch. Christopher Myers messages sends a wonderful message to kids.  I never knew of this author before, but I am definitely planning to incorporate his books into my future classrooms.  Having self confidence is the single most important trait that a student needs to have to achieve in the classroom, and this author validates to students that even though they may all be different in their own way, it is important to realize it is all about  who they are and that they are all COOL!!! I also liked the way Christopher Myers approached the students on reading. He actually asked their opinion on it. Great strategy; it keeps the students feeling that their opinion does count!

Observation Update

Hey Guys,

So it is confirmed, I will be observing at Harbor Hill Elementary School in Greenvale (however it is Roslyn school district). I will be observing either 4th or 5th grade. I am waiting for the teacher to contact me. In the meantime I am supposed to make an appointment to meet the Assistant Principal first. I will keep you all posted!