Today's session included the presentations of the literacy lesson plans for paraprofessionals by Team Magec. The literacy strategies listed in the lessons are not only excellent strategies to apply in almost all the academic subjects, but fun ones too for the students. Strategies like the graffiti board, written retelling, sketch-to-stretch and others, are engaging activities that catch and maintain the students' interest.
Because we just completed Chamorro Month, I thought it would be an interesting way to end it by tying my para professional's lessons with the Chamorro concept of the taotaomona legend, and the carabao, a familiar animal seen on Guam. As the graffiti board deals with the student's schemata and perceptions of the taotaomona, it was naturally a "hit" with my students. As I observed the para professional implement the lesson, I noticed that my students were so engrossed in their activity that it was hard to pry them off of it and on to something else. As for the written retelling strategy, it was a new concept for them, so it took quite a bit of encouragement by the para professional to try to get the students to use as many words from the text as possible. But, once they got going on their task, and had completed it, the results showed their understanding of the fable, "The Carabao and the Shrew." Hooray for the power of literacy strategies!
We call a child's mind "small" simply by habit, perhaps it is larger than ours is, for it can take in anything without effort."
Christoper Morley
image: graffiti board by Ms. G. Sablan's students: Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School
Geri,
ReplyDeleteThe teacher's assistant who carried out your lesson was fortunate to have that opportunity. You have introduced her to a whole new world of literacy concepts and strategies. Something she can to look forward to in her aspirations of becoming a teacher.
Geri,
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome to hear how you went full tilt with the written retelling exercise you did with your T.A. It really is impressive that you are seeing the unit come to fruition! Way to go! Thanks for being an inspiring Master Teacher!
Ooh! Your experiences with the parapro and your students really go together. It's great to be surprised by our students' abilities!
ReplyDeleteGeri,
ReplyDeleteLove the Taotaomona graffiti board, lucky for you, you did it during CHamoru week. They have their schemata set and they're already motivated so I'm sure they had a great time!