Word Work
Literacy Professional Development
Participants: Teachers in grades K-5, Reading Specialist, Principal, Special Educators, and Special Area Teachers
PD 1 (Session 2): Power of Assessments
In this session the teachers explored, analyzed and shared out assessments in order to better understand the importance and benefits that come from assessments. The goal was also for the teachers to plan effective word study instruction based on the assessment data.
Introduction
Here I introduced the objective and gave participants blank index cards. I had them write the first word that came to mind when they though of "assessment".
Journal Article & Rodeo
The participants were given the article, "Teachers Harness the Power of Assessments" to read and highlight important points. They shared our their thoughts and we moved into the Rodeo.
The Rodeo had participants rotate through six different stations. Each station had a Word Work assessment from grades K-5. At each station they participants had to record their thoughts on the assessment on poster board. We shared out after every one made it around.
Closure
The session came to a close by having the participants use two post-it notes to write down their thinking on the following questions: 1. Write one take away from the session. 2. Write one assessment you will use in your classroom.
PD 2 (Session 5): Strategies and Activities for Word Work
In this session teachers explored and shared strategies and activities in order to gain resources and ideas to implement in engaging lessons.
Introduction
I introduced the session by using a flipchart to show pictures of different creative Word Work activities. I had the participants T-P-S what skills the activities could be used for in Word Work.
Stations
I had to participants rotate through three stations. Each station had a primary or intermediate focus. Each station also had a set of directions and materials for the participants. The participants played the activities then discussed how they could adapt it to fit in their classroom. They rotated through all the stations, taking a copy of the game/directions with them as a take away!
Closure
I ended this session by having all the participants write down the Word Work game they brought with them on recipe cards--giving the name and directions. Afterwards I collected all the recipe cards and made them into a book and gave them to all the participants!