English Language Arts

Weaving Comprehension into Literacy Teaching and Learning


 





    On October 30, 2008 Mr Muniz, Mrs. Battista, and Mrs. Rojas attended a workshop entitled, Weaving Comprehension into Literacy Teaching and Learning: Learning with Ellin Keene. Ellin Keene, well known author of Mosaic of Thought, discussed best practices in literacy research and practice. Since the workshop was based on student learning. Mrs. Keene felt students should be present. Therefore, the students of P.S. 200 were invited to attend. Mrs. Gavin of class 4-430 sent five of her students to work with Mrs. Keene, as she modeled a reading lesson for Principals, Assistant Principals and Literacy Coaches.



    Ellin Keene gathered the students together and began to speak about the importance of thinking while reading. She introduced the word metacognition and explained that it means to to think about your own thinking. She went on to read Smoky Night by Eve Bunting. Ellin Keene modeled how she used images in her mind to better understand the story. She encouraged the children to use their "metacognitive voice" as she read. Throughout the book students shared the different types of images in their mind and how those images improved their comprehension. As the children explained their thinking she provided them with appropriate language.









    One child said "I feel like I am right there next to her. I understand how she feels." Ellin responded, "Do you know that's called empathy?" 




    Once the book was read the children engaged in an open forum, discussing their images. These students used clear, concise language and spoke to each other with such confidence. It was a very proud moment watching our students as they impressed a room filled with knowledgeable educators. Mrs. Gavin's hard work and dedication to her students is clearly evident.