On your first viewing, use the Observational Checklist (PDF) to take note of how Sheila Owen implements some of the Literacy Teaching Practices.
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Review What You Saw
After watching the video, review the Observational Checklist and reflect on what you saw. How do the practices you just watched compare to your own? Think about your classroom and the needs of your students. How are they different from or similar to what you saw in the video?
Relate the Key Questions to Sheila Owen's Classroom
How are the diverse needs of learners (language in particular) met in this classroom?
Consider Ms. Owen's comment: "Oral language development is a large priority in our classroom, and accounts for a class that is never encouraged to be quiet." What does she mean by this? What evidence do you find for how she supports language development for all students? Make a list or share what you observed.
How does the classroom environment encourage students to become independent readers and writers?
Review the elements of a classroom environment listed on the left. Think back to what you saw on the tape, and list ways that Ms. Owen's classroom environment supports literacy instruction. What did you notice about the physical arrangement, the tone and atmosphere, materials and tools? Write or share your responses to these questions.
