Lewis Week 10

Everyday for math I split my students into three groups for guided practice: intervention, target, and enrichment.  Most of the time I either work with the intervention group or target group, seeing that they need to be retaught the lesson or guided through a math activity before working on their own.  The same goes for literature, as I usually work with the students who have IEPs or struggle to read and complete the assignments independently.  Lately the students who are most often placed in the enrichment groups have been noticing this trend and also unhappy about it.  They are curious as to why they do not get to read with Ms. Lewis and are sometimes upset they have to work independently.

            Although the students who perform at a lower level need the extra help, I still feel my time should be equally spent with all the students.  The students at lower levels do need the help, but they also need to learn to work independently or with partners, not just me.  The students who usually work independently also could benefit from working with me as well.  Although they are capable of completing most tasks, we could work as a group to advance their thinking or challenge them to tasks tat may require more scaffolding and release of responsibilities.  The lower students also need to work at a level in which they can start to problem solve on their own. I think sometimes the intervention students become too reliant on me which hinders their ability and desire to learn on their own.  At some point they will not be given the extra help and they need to learn how to problem solve.

            Over the newt few week I am setting a goal to work with all the students so they can receive the individual help and guidance needed to succeed.  I think it also gives each student a boost in motivation because they are given one-on-one attention and support.  My kids LOVE special attention, so I think working in different groups each week would be helpful in creating independent, confident thinkers.