Through the use of Responsive Classroom, I created a welcoming environment for all learners. Everyday started with a Morning Meeting which started each day with a set routine and expectations. Responsive classroom give the students to opportunity to take responsibility of the environment, others, and themselves. This includes logical consequences for students when they do something they should not have done. Keeping consistent routines and consequences for actions is imperative to being proactive instead of reactive in the classroom. Through the use of routines, setting the tone in the room with quiet music, and creating smooth transitions will set you up for a day of proactive measurements and little time of reactions.
Instruction:
Through the use of Balanced Literacy, the students were engaged in a learning environment where their progress is being monitored and is inclusive to all students. The use of read-alouds, guided reading, independent reading, guided writing, independent writing, writing workshop, and word study were used every day. The students were familiar and comfortable with the routine of Balanced Literacy. Balanced Literacy opens the door for easily implementing differentiated instruction and assessment driven instruction. Through the use of running records and higher-level questioning, I was able to create groups accordingly. Even after developing groups, the consistent use of running records gives the opportunity to be able to see when a group needs to change.