The first time Nancy Turner came to CCFT Coron International School in November 2008, she brought with her Robert Munchin's story Stephanie's Ponytail and taught the teachers fun learning activities to liven up the classroom. Nancy is a reading and comprehension specialist, and taught for several years in the United States Department of Defense Dependents School (DODDS) System. During the weeks following her mini-seminar, Stephanie's Ponytail, which she left with the school, was told and retold by the English teachers. Everyone looked forward to seeing her again.
On Nancy's second visit in February 19 and 20 this year, she came with a lovely surprise - two boxes of books donated to CCFT by her friends. Among these were brand-new animal encyclopedias, books for read-aloud sessions, non-fiction, and young adult literature for the intermediate readers and incoming high school students.
During these two days, Nancy shared more techniques on improving the students' reading comprehension, and the different components and levels of balanced literacy in the classroom. The levels progressed from teacher-controlled reading and writing, through a process of gradual release to student-controlled reading and writing.
On February 20, Nancy also demonstrated the basics of balanced literacy for the house parents and staff of the Home Life Services Office. Once again, Nancy demonstrated a read-aloud technique for children just beginning to learn the alphabet with the jazzy-rhythmic book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. For intermediate-level students, reading should also encompass shared, guided, and independent reading.
With the new books and Nancy's shared skills, the teachers are sure to be empowered for the next school year, and new horizons and vaults of knowledge will be opened to the children of CCFT.
No comments:
Post a Comment