I agree with #7 (below)

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I agree with #7 (below)
By Carolyn

I agree with the poster #7 (below). You could use the Cunningham model, if you feel comfortable with using a prepackaged, cookie-cutter approach to teaching reading. It is supposed to improve children's reading. I attended
a four-block instruction model for two days in January, and I was told by the presenter that it was originally designed for first grade. I have used some of the techniques of it, and I agree that we need to teach four blocks of instruction, but I don't necessarily think everybody needs to hop into using everything that they use. You can use it if you feel comfortable with it. I have

a Master of Reading degree and have been teaching for the last 15 years, and the Cunningham model is really nothing that good teachers haven't already been doing for years and years.

Question 1: Once I get them started, I have them read to a certain goal point silently. Once we have reached the goal point (let's say the bottom of page 49 where they may find out what they have set out to find out), I have them stop reading, then we confirm or change predictions. Then they set a purpose for what else they would like to find out. I think it's better if you allow the kids to set their own purpose. They usually will, once they have become involved in a story. "I want to find out what has happened now that Leslie has died." (Bridge to Terabithia) Does "The Kid in the Red Jacket" get to make friends? How does he finally do it?" We summarize the story when we are finished. I allow the kids to give me their personal impressions, including evaluation. "I think it was wrong when the kid..." "I think Leslie made a mistake when she tried to swing from the vine when the stream was so high and dangerous." "I would have liked to have seen a happier ending to the story. Here's how I would rewrite the ending..." I try to include all elements of Bloom's taxonomy when I teach reading to develop critical thinking. I think I have also answered question #2 here.

Thanks for your vote of confidence! I am forever trying to improve my skills as a teacher.