Observation I

November 5, 2007

Guided Reading Lesson

9: 45:  I decided that I would observe Emanuel during reading time.  There are three different reading groups.  Reading groups begin around 10:00 and last around 30 minutes.  The children know exactly what area to go to during this time.  Emanuel's group sets in the back corner at one of the larger desks in the room.  I asked the group if I could join in and that gladly took me aboard!  Emanuel seemed happy this morning.

10:00-  The children began reading their book independently.  The students had a sheet with them that had a box for each chapter.  Each child was to write the main ideas of that chapter within the box.  I asked the children if they knew what to do and most were sure of themselves, except for Emanuel.  

10:05-  I began to give an overview of what was expected on the sheet of paper.  Emanuel seemed relieved that I did this.  I told the students, "Make sure you have two to three sentences for the chapter." 

10:07-  I noticed the others were reading at a standard pace.  Emanuel seemed to be having difficulty.  I could tell this by his facial expressions.  I noticed he would look around at the others to see what page they were on.  I also noticed that he looked confused. 

10:19  The children had all finished the chapter and began to write down their ideas.  Emanuel put down the book but I really feel that he wasn't finished.  He began to write his ideas down also.  I asked him, "Are you sure that you finished the whole chapter?" and he replied, "Yes, Mrs. Shannon."  I began to read the chapter for myself so that I would be better prepared for the discussion.  As I would look up, I noticed that Emanuel had only written one idea.  I asked him to write another.  He asked one of the students, "What did you write?"  I said, "Please be quiet so that everyone else can finish and use your own ideas."  Emanuel wrote something finally but it was not a main idea. 

10:26  The students were all finished writing.  We began our discussion of the book.  I asked each child to share their ideas.  Most of the children were eager to share.  When it was Emanuel's turn; he just repeated what another child had said.  I had looked at his paper beforehand and noticed that it was not what he had written.  I asked him to share something he wrote.  He wasn't willing so I felt that I shouldn't push him too much, just yet.  I began discussing what main ideas I had about the chapter and this seemed to help Emanuel focus a little more about the topic.  All the children started discussing the chapter.   Emanuel began to tell me about a movie that he had watched that seemed similar to the chapter. 

After the lesson was over, I noticed Emanuel didn't seem as happy as before.  I sat down beside him and started asking him about what he was going to play during recess that day.  Emanuel loves recess.  This seemed to help cheer him up.