Implementing A New Literacy Framework Into The Classroom

I am writing to you about implementing a new Literacy framework into our classrooms. I believe that reading and writing should be taught in collaboration, and we can accomplish this by using the Three Block Framework. The blocks consist of a Language and Word Study work shop, Reading Workshop, and a Writing Workshop. Each of these blocks are implemented for sixty minutes daily and are beneficial for our students and teachers. This Framework when implemented will consist of daily time frames to promote time management, optimize student grouping, and provide an equal amount of teacher and student directed learning. When all teachers are using the Three Block Framework across grades it builds a common set of practices and provides for an easy

In this section children work on developing language, and word study knowledge and skills. There are six variations in activities that we can implement in our daily framework, which will aid in developing these knowledge and skills. Per Fountas and Pinnell, “Students investigate the nature of language as they explore high-quality literature, poetry, and informational texts” (F&P, p.15). In this block, there is shared language and literacy in which we start with a community meeting. This is where we introduce a topic and have students discuss. This will enhance our student’s ability to expand their vocabulary and interaction skills. Although the community meetings are brief, the positive impact they have on our children’s vocabulary and oral language skills is immense. There are many possibilities for community meetings other than sharing our thoughts on topics. One example that Fountas and Pinnell offer is, “provide a short handwriting lesson and ask students to practice letter formation” (F&P, p. 15). The purpose of this section is to provide our students opportunities to verbally interact with one another to strengthen their language skills. Interactive edit is a quick activity that focuses on writing conventions. Our students are given several opportunities in interactive edit to work in collaboration with their peers. The students will also focus on handwriting, and word study to build their vocabulary and

This is like a typical reading workshop, although this framework extends the typical framework into something more powerful. Fountas and Pinnel state that “we expand the ideas to incorporate two other reading contexts-guided reading and literature study” (F&P, p.17). This blocks contains sections of independent reading, guided reading, and literature study. It is imperative that we allow our students time to focus on reading for at least an hour a day, five days a week. We want our children to learn to love reading and not see it as something they are forced to do. If we take out time for them to grow in their reading and skills this will promote that fondness for reading. If our students are only reading on occasion Fountas and Pinnell state, “the continuity is disrupted, and students forget the kinds of strategies and skills you are trying to build day after day” (F&P, p. 17). It is also stated, “when students read every day, they are continually learning new things that they can share with partners, small groups, or the whole class” (F&P, p.17). The literature study focuses on individuality of each student. The students choose their favorite genres, books, or topics and are grouped accordingly. They are then able to participate in small group discussions pertaining to what they have read. According to Fountas and Pinnel “ in all three contexts, constructing meaning is the overall goal” (F&P,