A Student-Teacher Connection Sparks
an Interest in Reading
When Kurteria Moore began attending a new school in the fourth
grade shortly after her grandmother passed away, it was difficult
to adjust. When she came to Annie R. Morgan she had trouble writing
and was a reluctant reader, who was not on grade level (Level 2
on FCAT).
After struggling to connect with Kurteria, two words from her
teacher helped her break through the sadness of her grandmother’s
loss. “Baby girl” – the nickname her grandmother
had called her all her life – came out of her teacher’s
mouth as she encouraged her one day. The two developed an instant
connection. Kurteria became interested in learning again.
She started to select non-fiction literature as her reading of
choice, and her first book was George Washington Carver. Once she
selected this book to read, several students became very interested
in George Washington Carver and formed a buddy reading group.
Kurteria’s next book was about Susan B. Anthony. After reading
that book, when a student did something that appeared to be against
a rule, Kurteria quickly spoke up by saying, “I’m going
to call the mayor”, referring to Susan B. Anthony’s
quest for women’s rights.
During Reader’s Workshop, Kurteria has often used a dictionary,
thesaurus and sometimes an atlas to ensure her understanding of
the text. She asks many questions and strives to meet high academic
goals
When the FCAT came around this year, Kurteria newly found love
of reading paid off. She went up from her Level 2 to a Level 4.
She even improved in math from a Level 2 to a Level 3. Her success
has led to an enthusiasm that makes her a natural leader. She now
helps classmates who are new to fourth grade, models good behavior,
and has a positive attitude about school. What a difference a supportive
teacher makes!
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