Things to Consider
1. Independent Reading and Written Responses. Although Ms. Schule makes daily tweaks to her intervention, she always begins by inviting students to read a book of their choice as she meets with individual or pairs of students to check in on their understanding of what they are reading. Independent reading time typically ends with a written response in students’ journals.
2. Typical Rotations. On the day of filming some students worked on word study and fluency pieces but not everyone, as not all students needed support in those areas. Everyone worked on areas of vocabulary and comprehension as well as a written response. Students lost very little time transitioning between groups and activities, as they clearly knew the routines and class expectations.
3. Intervention Is Fun. Wait, What? When you enter Ms. Schule’s classroom, there is an energy between and within her students. Dare we say a “fun” energy? We visited Ms. Schule’s classroom several times before the day of filming and every time we were amazed by the palpable joy. Students were having fun reading, chatting with one another, writing, and thinking. Learning was and is fun in Ms. Schule’s intervention class; a true testament to her hard work to establish a trusting environment, community of learners, and engaging instruction.