Thank you. This makes a lot of sense. I have never used Wilson, the
skywriting is something we can all do and most programs have a picture
keyword component. Thanks.
Pat
On Feb 19, 2012, at 8:51 AM, Palmer, Jennifer wrote:
Pat...I can tell you briefly what I think works about Wilson
Fundations... it is the keyword/letter/sound association. Learning a
consistent picture and keyword really helps struggling kids
internalize that letter sound relationship. I also liked the
skywriting---the use of large muscle movements helps the tactile
kinesthetic kids.
I think what is missing, even from Cunningham (who I love and borrow
from all the time), is the idea that word learning has a
developmental component. When we teach a phonics skill whole class
there is only a small group ready for it. Often 1/3 of the class
already knows it... and another 1/3 is not ready.
Small group instruction based on developmental assessments of word
knowledge (like Words their Way) really made the ultimate difference
for me. There is no point drilling vowel digraphs when the child
cannot even associate consonant sounds with a letter.
This is why I myself used Renees approach... poetry. Carefully
choosing poems, I could work with students in small needs groups on
phonics skills while the other students read. AND yes lots of
opportunities to apply phonics through reading at an independent and
instructional level... along with many opportunities to write...
And of course, we need balance. In the early grades I think 1/3 of
the time on decoding and 2/3 on comprehension is about right.
Jennifer L. Palmer
Instructional Facilitator
National Board Certified Teacher
Magnolia Elementary (home school)
901 Trimble Road
Joppa, MD 21085
410-612-1553
Fax 410-612-1576
"In every child a touch of greatness!!'
Proud of our Title One School
Norrisville Elementary
5302 Norrisville Road
White Hall, MD 21161
410-692-7810
Fax 410-692-7812
Where Bright Futures Begin!!
________________________________________
From: mosaic-bounces+jennifer.palmer=hcps....@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+jennifer.palmer=hcps....@literacyworkshop.org
] on behalf of Patricia Kimathi [pkima...@earthlink.net]
Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2012 9:33 AM
To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] phonics program
I thank you so much for your post. I love this listserv and value the
ideas I have been able to gather from other members. I also value how
it allows be to think through my own ideas and hopefully share ideas
with others. I find that this is happening less in schools. I know
that this year the teachers I work with are veterans who have a wealth
of knowledge, but is has been awhile. On this listserv I have always
been able to think through my own beliefs. I do use many methods
with children based on their needs. I usually chose and pick what I
need from programs. This year we are using a program that has taken
from many different programs so I can use what I have always used and
say it is based on their program. I tweak what they have to match
what I need to teach. I can really see growth. But the core of
everything is Mosaic and the reading comprehension strategies I have
learned from this work.
Please continue to share ideas and be kind to each other as you do
it. Even those of us who would like to be purest can gain information
from each other. I am now interested in how you were able to use
parts of Wilson with Mosaic. I will not ask you to share on the list
so not to bore others, but I am interested.
PatK
On Feb 17, 2012, at 3:52 PM, Palmer, Jennifer wrote:
I learned a lesson about listening and learning from colleagues
with different opinions. And, when my attitude shifted, my
supervisor was more willing to listen to me and give me the
flexibility I needed to do what I felt was right for kids. Education
is about relationships... I would argue that online relationships
are worth protecting as well. Let's think about how we might protect
those relationships here before we send off an emotionally charged
post.
As for a common belief system,I think we'd better be careful with
our assumptions. It's time for a reality check. We have thousands of
members and I can pretty much assure you that there are many
different beliefs represented here.
PatK
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_______________________________________________
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PatK
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