Assessment Powerpoint: Module 1

   After viewing the assessment power point for reading and writing difficulties I now have a better understanding of vocabulary terms pertaining to both, as well as more knowledge of the stages of development.  Teaching 5th grade I realize my students should be in the "growing independence' stage, however I believe many of mine are still early readers. A few  of my higher level readers I would say are fluent enough and are able to read to learn. The power point states that the majority of troubled readers have a difficult decoding, which means their phonics knowledge is weak. I do believe phonics instruction at a very early pre-primer age is a necessity for becoming a proficient reader. Children often feel "defeated" especially when it comes to reading b/c they are failed over and over. Knowing that success is the key, makes me realize that beginning with what students already have prior background knowledge is the best  start to building confidence within themselves. This hits home to me so much as many of my students come from such a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. I really am trying to figure out a way to reach every student, but this is so challenging for me because I don't even know where to begin with a few of my students. I am just being honest here. I do begin each year by allowing students to read to me anything of their choice that interests them which does give me some insight. I currently think in my classroom I approach reading with a more "top down" approach. I begin with big ideas, and then lead into the smaller components that make up those ideas. I definitely want to start fixing "one thing at a time" with each of my students this year with their reading struggles instead of trying to fix it all at once.