Special Topics Project
Title of Project: Early Literacy Intervention Program
School: Dorset Elementary
Why Special Topics? I was given the opportunity to gain 6 credits for my degree at McGill by running this project, supervised by David Dillon, instead of taking electives. I jumped at the opportunity to create my own program centred around my passion for literacy!
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Description: I designed this program to help give struggling students an extra “boost” before the end of the school year, so that they could improve their reading and writing levels enough to move on to the next grade level. I aimed for each student to improve by a minimum of 2 -3 levels, which they all surpassed! My greatest success was having one student move up 9 levels!
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In the afternoon I worked with an integration aide to help in the 3/4 and 5 classrooms. There was a need for extra help in these classes because over half the students have been coded with behaviour problems. I observed her and learned new strategies for helping special needs students succeed.
Plan and Goals: I saw the students in three groups of three (grade ones and twos) every day for 45 minutes each. Within those 45 minutes students read independently, followed by receiving a shared reading and/or guided reading lesson, followed by some writing and/or word work. I assessed the students daily by keeping a running record of each one. We looked at different types of texts (fiction, non-fiction, poetry). The students also learned Miriam Trehearne’s guided reading strategies, and were encouraged to use these strategies in all subject areas.
Click here to see a sample lesson plan!
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The afternoons were not be as structured as I helped out wherever there was a need. In particular, I worked with one student with autism, three with behaviour issues, and two with cognitive delays. I feel that my time spent with these students was invaluable. I truly saw how each child reacts to different strategies and how important it is for them to have a support system at school when they do not necessarily get any at home. The experience was rewarding on so many levels.
Time Frame and Schedule in School: Full time over the course of six weeks.