Story Mapping

In the second grade class that I am student teaching I have been assigned an intervention group. This quarter we have moved from working on fluency to working on reading comprehension. I have started using a story map graphic organizer. I started reading stories to the whole class and then having them write down their thoughts on the story map. After, we would write down answers on a post-it note to then stick it on the class story map. I got that idea from a great blog called Growing Kinders. I have now moved to having the students independently and partner reading Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business. They have a better understanding of the story map, so I see them adding the bits and pieces as they go. We are making text-to-self connections and character mapping as we read, too. It makes me so happy to see that they are learning something and are truly excited about what they are doing. I have included the story map I made for you to use in your own classroom.

Student Portfolios

As I have been working through my student teaching experience I have come to realize that keeping a good record of the ongoing assessment is crucial to student performance. This may be something that veteran teachers would already know. However, I am just learning, as I'm sure other teachers are doing, as well. I have been to multiple Response to Intervention meetings that end with one of the team members asking for student work examples. In order to prevent looking unprepared I think it should be routine for a teacher to file away important pieces of work for each student in a student portfolio. I have provided the link to a cute cover I have made. Fell free to use it at your convenience! Not only are student portfolios helpful in making the most of an intervention plan, but they can be a great set of notes in a parent-teacher conference. Just be sure to include just as many positive pieces of work as you do negative. I hope this cover helps you or adds to your already wonderful collection of resources!