PRT and Inquiry

 I have really been struggling with T-shaped literacy and how to use it in the classroom. After some research, I think I've been taking the wrong approach. As a teacher, sometimes it's hard to let go and realise that children are actually able to choose their own books. Also, if they choose their own reading texts, they are more likely to find it interesting. This week I had GREAT success putting t-shaped literacy into my lesson. We were looking at the character strength of 'Bravery'. I read an article on Sir Edmund Hillary and the children had copies that they could follow with me. We then discussed different questions about the text format and the content. What were his struggles? What is he known for? What else has he achieved? How did the text describe him? Why do you think he was brave? The answers were fabulous with someone even saying that he was brave to keep doing his charity work after losing his family in an aeroplane crash. The next step was for children to ...

The children are so happy to be back to school, and it's such a pleasure to see. They skip through the door when their bus arrives in the morning, and have great smiles on their faces. Myself? Yes, I'm pretty chuffed to see them again too. This term is all about consolidation for my class. It's time to see the gaping gaps and close them ready for their next year. I will be losing seven children, at the end of the year, to the senior class. Are they ready? Will they be behind? Will they be nervous? I came back to school with the intention of looking deeply into the children's targets and where they need to go next. However, I then decided to put the children on Spotlight themselves and see if they can identify their own learning needs and gaps. They have done this so well! I am surprised at how clear their understanding is when things are 'listed' in front of them. They are excited about ticking off targets and showing evidence of these successes in their work. C...