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Pre-k
Exposure to English and letter name and sounds. Spanish is my first language. I entered Pre-K not knowing English, let alone the alphabet. Like other students entering Pre-k, this was the first time I was exposed to the English language and introduced to letters, numbers, colors, etc. -
Kindergarten
Continue to learn English. During this time, I was learning CVC words, continued to learn letter sound and letter names, recognizing sight words, and was taught how to read. -
First Grade
Small groups with Mr. A and Ms. Gamez. Ms. Gamez would assist in pulling groups and would constantly work with me during our small group time. She had me do a lot of word work and picture cards to continue to help my English and reading skills. I remember Ms. Gamez because as a reward weekly, she would bake the best banana bread for our class. :) -
Second Grade
I remember I would struggle with reading let alone comprehension. During this time, I recall understanding story elements more and enjoyed reading more. -
Third Grade
I began to enjoy reading. The Boxcar Children books were my favorite to read. During this time, I remembered feeling proud because I was beginning to read chapter books. -
Fourth Grade
Popcorn reading. Our class read aloud was Holes. During this time, I began to dislike reading. I was becoming a better reader, but I didn't want to read out loud. I still struggled pronouncing certain words, struggled with vocabulary, and Mr. Stewart loved calling on students asking questions and calling on students to read. I was afraid of others judging my reading. I learned that popcorn reading was not for me and not a great technique to used on students, but I had no power over my teacher. -
7th Grade
Mr. Splitzer 7th Grade Honors Reading. During this time I struggled and learn to examine texts more closely and use details from the text in order to develop ideas, analyze, and make inferences. We were reading more complex texts, and the first semester was a challenge. -
High School
Ms. Cook made sure her students felt comfortable and confident to read out loud. Popcorn reading was still being used, and although I disliked reading out loud, I felt more comfortable and confident with my reading skills. I was able to use context details to find definitions of words our use context clues to discuss what I had read and share with the class. -
ALTA Program
While taking literacy classes, I learned more about phonemic awareness and phonics. I realized students shouldn't just memorize words to read, but to sound out words and blend those sounds to read words. I learned students need exposure to 20 minutes a day of phonemic awareness with programs like Heggerty to support their reading skills. -
95 Core Program Trainings
Just like my teachers were prepared and gradually made me feel comfortable to read out loud, I want to help my students feel the same. CORE 95 is a new reading program that my school is using. I took many trainings to be prepared to teach. After weeks of consistently using it my students have made great progress and have developed a love to read. When we see students making growth and have show that growth and joy to read through data, we remember our WHY to being teachers.