The other day I was at Sterling Elementary and visited Natalee Hodges' first grade room. When I walked into Natalee's room the first thing you see is all students scattered around the room with books in their hands. Natalie was working with two students at the back table. I went and spoke with several students who were telling me what strategies they were working on while they read their books. I wanted to crawl up with a good book and just read in this welcoming environment.
As Natalee finished with her group and sent them to read in their "cozy" spots, she approached me. She had this proud smile on her face. She asked if she could share some good news. I love hearing the successes that are going on in Balanced Literacy classrooms. Natalee pointed out a little girl who was sitting in the corner with a book in hand. She said, "that is Anyrah and she began the year on a level B and I am still trying to find her current level. I just tested her on an H and she passed it easily. I need to get some higher books to see what level she really is on."
I went to Anyrah and told her that Mrs. Hodges had shared how hard she had been working on reading and that she was now reading higher level books. Anyrah just beamed! I asked her what did she think made her such a good reader. She said, "Reading makes you a better reader and I just read a lot here and at home!" The saying is out of the mouths of babes and I think this first grade reader has the answer! Just keep reading! Way to go Anyrah on becoming a reader and way to go Mrs. Hodges on creating an environment where Every Child reads Every Day for a Better Tomorrow!
As Natalee finished with her group and sent them to read in their "cozy" spots, she approached me. She had this proud smile on her face. She asked if she could share some good news. I love hearing the successes that are going on in Balanced Literacy classrooms. Natalee pointed out a little girl who was sitting in the corner with a book in hand. She said, "that is Anyrah and she began the year on a level B and I am still trying to find her current level. I just tested her on an H and she passed it easily. I need to get some higher books to see what level she really is on."
I went to Anyrah and told her that Mrs. Hodges had shared how hard she had been working on reading and that she was now reading higher level books. Anyrah just beamed! I asked her what did she think made her such a good reader. She said, "Reading makes you a better reader and I just read a lot here and at home!" The saying is out of the mouths of babes and I think this first grade reader has the answer! Just keep reading! Way to go Anyrah on becoming a reader and way to go Mrs. Hodges on creating an environment where Every Child reads Every Day for a Better Tomorrow!