This week's academic spotlight shines on kindergarten teacher Nicole Delich and her fantastic ability to differentiate to meet the needs of ALL her students in her classroom. Mrs. Delich invited me in to watch how she incorporates small-group station work into her literacy routines with her students while also delivering whole-group instruction:
"Our classroom uses a mixture of whole-group and small-group reading instruction. Whole group reading instruction is completed in three 10-20 minute increments. Each student also participates in small group reading instruction. After each whole-group instruction, we take a break and complete a small group," said Mrs. Delich.
This classroom management technique allows Mrs. Delich to shift her focus to small-group instruction to improve the chance for a more individualized and better learning experience. It also allows students to practice independence and autonomy.
"Students are in groups of 5-6 and work with me for 15-20 minutes. This is in addition to the reading intervention they may also receive. While I am working with a small group, other students are completing literacy stations," said Mrs. Delich.
Here are the Literacy Stations students rotate through:
Read to Self-reading books.
Write the Room- Finding the cards with our sight words around the room and writing them.
Sensory table-Tub filled with sensory items and either letter, sound, or CVC cards. The students find the cards and record their answers.
I-pads-Listen or read stories on the EPIC app
Game Tubs-Reading games based on students' level
"While completing a literacy station, students are able to work at their own pace, work on skills that match their needs, use hands-on learning, and collaborate with other students," said Mrs. Delich.
While students work through their literacy stations, Mrs. Delich can focus on "meeting her students where they're at" in a small-group setting. This type of intervention has been proven to be the most effective for struggling learners.
"During small groups, students are able to receive a level of instruction that better meets their needs. Phonemic awareness, phonics, guided reading, and writing are taught during small-group instruction," said Mrs. Delish.
My favorite part of the visit was seeing how students were engaged and enjoying themselves, as well as seeing students have so many "A-ha!" moments as they learned from Mrs. Delich. It was apparent these students loved her class! Here are a few quotes from them:
Chris - "I love everything about this class!"
Jaxson - "I like the sensory table."
Finn - "I like the hot cocoa shop. Ms. Delich is great!"
Penelope and Lila - "I love my teacher!"
Justis - "I love the classroom toys."
Felicity - "I love to read books in the reading area."
These students and Lansing are fortunate to have Mrs. Delich as a teacher. Thank you, Mrs. Delich, for all that you do!