Thursday, October 29, 2009
Differences in Abilities
In my elementary observations I have noticed several challenges that as a teacher that I will ultimately face. The challenge that I believe seems to be the most difficult from observing is that of the differing learning levels of the students. I do know that obviously not all students will be on the same learning level, however in the elementary age group I have noticed the largest gaps of all. In this age group, children (especially in literacy) can be on three different levels of reading and writing. I have watched my lead teachers in my observations and they work around this challenge with great ease. As a new teacher, I am so fearful that this is not something that I will be able to do so beautifully. I am thinking that this is a true skill that comes with time because as I am thinking about it I realize what a challenge it can truly be to diagnose each level that the children are on, teach a group lesson, but also keep the lesson to each individual child's ability.
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I am sure that the teachers you saw who "work around this challenge with great ease," started in a very different place as a new teacher. I bet they dealt with the same feelings you have now. The wonderful things is that, with experience, you will find what works best for you and the best way to reach out to those students!
ReplyDeleteBetsy,
ReplyDeleteIn working with the different level of students, I find that I have to approach each differently. Right now, I am working with 2 different groups of students. They are below level, but I can see the potential and eagerness to learn in them. Just today, some of my students started to pick up on the their site words. We are working on words like flip, dip, pig, dig, lip, and rip. I had to drill these words and get the students to see the patterns and how they relate. As easy as these words look, some of the students took a while to learn them. Now, I have to help them to learn how to write the words. I know we have our work cut out for us, but with the help of our cooperating teacher, team members, other teacher, resources like reading recovery, resouce teachers, IRTs and I willingness and determination, I know we will be just find. I will pray for the both of us.