Exploring Literacy Instruction within the Content Areas Facilitator: Lauren Benjamin Investigate and identify ways in which we can match up the teaching of reading, writing, and content in a manner that allows us to teach the writer, the reader, the researcher, etc. not simply the book, the topic, or the written piece.In other words, identifying ways in which we can use the workshop setting to be the vehicle from which to deliver content instruction while simultaneously addressing the needs of our readers and writers thus maintaining the integrity of the workshop.
To identify strategies for the teaching of reading and writing in conjunction with content areas To develop mini-lessons for teaching student readers and writers using both fiction and non-fiction texts in connection with content areas
To examine the integration of content into guided reading, shared reading, read aloud, etc.
June 25, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
We are third grade teachers at PS 89 and we have had the privilege of working with Mimi Aronson for the last three years.In that time she has worked in our classrooms to develop and improve the reader’s and writer’s workshop as well as develop professional development to help us support the students’ academic success. In that short time we have noticed how our students work has progressively improved.Across the board, our students have developed better strategies and techniques for reading and writing which resulted in the increased enthusiasm towards literacy in general.Our “at risk” students who were once hesitant to write or were not creative in their work, all of a sudden found a new world to explore within their own writing. Furthermore, we’ve seen how her program has generated excitement among our colleagues who have participated in her program and who have tracked the progress of the students’ improvement over the last three years.Although hesitant in the beginning to change our teaching methods, Mimi’s dedication as well as the students’ success has made us really believe and support this program wholeheartedly.As teachers we have been able to raise the academic level of our third grade students and better prepare them for the state exams.Moreover, our participation in the many literacy workshops she has put together has enhanced our skills as teachers and generated excitement and interest among other teachers who have not worked with her as yet. Mimi Aronson is an invaluable asset to our school, and we are very excited to continue working with her in the future. Sincerely, Jaime DeVaney Stephanie Fortuna