Teaching Reading: 3-5 Workshop

Professional Development > Teaching Reading: 3-5 Workshop > 1. Creating Contexts for Learning > 1.2 Analyze the Video | Creating Contexts for Learning

English Language Arts

3-5

Analyze the Video | Creating Contexts for Learning

Watch the video, "Creating Contexts for Learning," taking notes as you watch. After you watch, jot down your answers to the questions below. If you prefer to watch the video in segments, pause the video when you see the next chapter heading.

Video Summary

In this video, Professor Jeanne Paratore discusses the organization strategies, routines, and reading practices that enhance students’ literacy skills. You will also see classroom examples that illustrate the strategies and research that Professor Paratore describes. As you watch the video, consider the following questions:

Why does classroom organization matter?
Why are routines important?
How does grouping affect students’ learning?

Why does classroom organization matter?

In the first video segment, Professor Paratore discusses the impact that an organized classroom has on student interactions, choices, and learning. (If you are watching the video in segments, you will find this image at the beginning of the video.)

Think about the wall displays in your classroom. Then, compare them to what you learned about wall displays in the video. What might you change about the development or use of wall displays in your classroom?
What are the ways in which a classroom library can be organized? What ideas might you implement in your own classroom?
How is your classroom organized to support struggling readers? What books are accessible to them?

Why are routines important?

In this video segment, Professor Paratore explores the effect that classroom routines can have on students’ reading and writing skills. (If you are watching the video in segments, you will find this image approximately 12 minutes into the video.)

What specific routines does the video suggest to help you increase the amount of time that students are engaged in reading and writing?
What kind of morning routines did you see? What did you notice about these routines?
What routines might you implement to increase the amount of time struggling readers have to read?

How does grouping affect students' learning?

In the last video segment, Professor Paratore examines the kinds of grouping options that give all students the amount of practice and interaction they need. (If you are watching the video in segments, you will find this image approximately 18 minutes into the video.)

How can teachers make thoughtful decisions about which grouping option will maximize students’ learning?
Consider your students. What grouping options might enhance reading and writing skills for all students?
Consider struggling readers.
- When can they be grouped with the whole class?
- When should they be grouped with readers at their own level?
- When should they be paired with a more capable peer?
- When should they be paired with a reader at their instructional level?

Series Directory

Teaching Reading: 3-5 Workshop

Credits

Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation. 2006.

Closed Captioning
ISBN: 1-57680-815-7

Sections

1.1 Before You Watch | Creating Contexts for Learning

1.2 Analyze the Video | Creating Contexts for Learning

Watch the video, "Creating Contexts for Learning," taking notes as you watch. After you watch, jot down your answers to the questions below. If you prefer to watch the video in segments, pause the video when you see the next chapter heading.

1.3 Extend Your Knowledge | Creating Contexts for Learning

1.4 Put It Into Practice | Creating Contexts for Learning

1.5 Reflect on Your Learning | Creating Contexts for Learning

Supplementary: Examine the Literature Response Chart

Handout

Supplementary: Flood Ensurance: When Children Have Books They Can and Want to Read

Article

Supplementary: Grouping for Instruction in Literacy: What We've Learned About What Works and What Doesn't

Article

Supplementary: Sample Chart for Grouping

Example handout

Workshops

Workshop 1 Creating Contexts for Learning

This session examines how classroom organization, routines, and grouping practices can enhance literacy skills in the middle grades. Literacy expert Jeanne Paratore discusses teaching strategies that foster reading and writing skills. Classroom examples illustrate the research.

Workshop 2 Fluency and Word Study

This session focuses on how students in the middle grades develop vocabulary and reading fluency. Literacy expert Richard Allington discusses specific teaching strategies that help build fluency and vocabulary, illustrated by classroom examples.

Workshop 3 Building Comprehension

Comprehending text is one of the main goals of reading. In this session, literacy expert Nell Duke discusses what good readers do and strategies teachers can use to help students build comprehension skills. Classroom footage provides examples of comprehension strategies.

Workshop 4 Writing

This workshop examines the relationship between reading and writing in the middle grades. Literacy expert Nadeen Ruiz discusses the connections, conventions, and inventions that provide a framework for teaching writing, illustrated by classroom examples.

Workshop 5 New Literacies of the Internet

This workshop focuses on the evolving use of networked technology in education. Literacy expert Donald Leu discusses strategies that help students effectively read, write, and communicate on the Internet. Classroom examples illustrate strategies for using Internet resources in the classroom.

Workshop 6 Teaching English Language Learners

Changing classroom demographics call for a range or teaching strategies. In this session, literacy expert Robert Jim�nez discusses strategies teachers can use to create a successful learning environment for all students, while supporting English language learners. Classroom examples illustrate the research.

Workshop 7 Teaching Diverse Learners

In this session, literacy expert Dorothy Strickland discusses how teachers can meet the diverse needs of readers and writers in their classrooms. Classroom examples and teaching strategies address different aspects of diversity, including culture, language, background, ability, and learning approaches.

Workshop 8 Assessment and Accountability

This session explores assessment, standards, and outcomes. Literacy expert Kathy Au discusses the strategies teachers can use to assess students' understanding in reading and writing. Classroom examples illustrate how students can participate in their own assessment.