Focus On Reading Leads to Dramatic
Improvement:
From Below Basic to Above Grade Level in One Year
Cynthia Villavicencio is a fourth grade student who moved to the
United States from Cuba only two years ago. After struggling in
the third grade and earning a good cause exemption, Cynthia has
blossomed academically this school year.
A member of Ms. Denman’s 4th grade class currently enrolled
in the ESOL program at North Shore Elementary, Cynthia attends
class daily for her two hours of reading instruction. In this class,
students participate in a variety of reading activities and take
Reading Counts tests on the computer after reading selected books
from the library.
During Reader’s Theater these students read a selected story
from the reading series or a trade book, and break into small groups
and act out a scene from the story. Reading is integrated throughout
all of the subjects and reading skills and strategies taught during
reading instruction are carried over to science, social studies,
health and math.
Everyday the students take part in Writer’s Workshop. At
the start of Writer’s Workshop, a piece of literature is
shared with the students. The students are instructed on what to
listen for when the teacher reads a selection from the book.
Ms. Denman’s class helped Cynthia become a better reader.
After scoring Level 1 on FCAT reading last year, Cynthia’s
determination led her to a Level 4 this year. Her tremendous progress
and improved vocabulary have given her the skills she needs to
graduate from the ESOL program.
Cynthia is a very creative youngster who won first place in the
Say No to Drugs calendar contest at North Shore this school year.
With a dedicated teacher and her drive to succeed, Cynthia has
only just begun to achieve her dreams.
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