1. What were the challenges Kristin identified facing this struggling reader? How did her beliefs about teaching reading help her identify these challenges?
2. What strategies did she adopt to assist this reader? Have you adopted similar strategies with struggling readers? What strategies have or will you employ to assist this reader?
3. Based on Ric's beliefs, how would you suggest he initiate his student's inquiry into what they are reading? How might he assess what his students' are learning while using an inquiry approach?
You have two more tasks to complete before moving on to help another teacher and more students.
Task One:
In lieu of the reading check, devise a lesson plan that will best serve Mr. Plot-a-long's students--many of whom have similar reading skills and similar behavioral challenges to Student B and the student Kristin discusses--that incorporates critical inquiry.
Use EPA website on climate change as your starting focus and be sure to record your plans. Keep in mind that your overarching goal is to support the student in improving his or her interest, reading comprehension, and ability to engage with the topic.
Task Two:
Mr. Plot-a-long's principal has invited your group to present for about 15 minutes at the school's next Professional Development Meeting. You will be allotted this time to present to Mr. Plot-a-long and his colleagues about how critical inquiry can improve students' reading comprehension and engagement with a variety of nonfiction texts. You have, of course, been asked to submit an outline of your plans before the meeting. Create this document now! Good luck!
Links:
Mr. Plot-a-long's Classroom
Teaching to Exceed Virtual School