Reading and Writing Instruction

       After reading chapter 8 and 9 Sound Systems by Anna Lyon and Paula Moore, I was given many examples of kindergarten and first grade instruction. Kindergarten teacher Ms. Chandler uses the children's names, which they are all familiar with, to introduce letters. She uses different activities to teach the same lesson. One day the students might practice their own names. Another day the students may be writing down the rules of the classroom- which gives them more practice with writing and involves them in classroom procedure.  Another day they might practice writing their site words down on a dry erase marker. These are different activities that help her teach the same lesson. Repetition is important in the classroom.
      In Ms. Lacy's first grade classroom, her students are capable of having more independence. They take their own attendance each morning by writing their own names on a blank piece of paper. Early readers use their preexisting knowledge of site words to help them self-monitor. Students in Ms. Lacy's class are encouraged to talk throughout reading so they can connect with the text. Ms. Lacy and Ms. Chandler both understand that each student learns a different way. Teaching the same lesson many different varieties will  help all the students gain more experience with writing and spelling instruction.