Topic: Daily Lit Bit

During reading minilessons, the teacher presents specific, explicit instruction to help children become independent readers for life.

Each Reading Minilesson engages children in inquiry that leads to the discovery and understanding of a general principle.

Reading Minilessons are the glue that holds together all the other instructional contexts together.

Fountas & Pinnell Classroom™ is designed as a coherent, organized system, because a well-planned literacy experience, implemented with responsive teaching, is the most effective way to advance children’s learning.

An organized classroom increases children’s independence and sense of agency as active learners.

The classroom library, with many organized baskets, becomes a year-long opportunity for independent reading.

Observation enables teachers to honor the development and range of strengths in students.

Literacy learning doesn't occur in stages, but is a continually evolving process.

The gradient of text and the book levels are a tool that assist the teacher in basically one task. That is to select books carefully that will offer a challenge and opportunity to learn as they work with students in guided reading instruction.

We need to listen to our students closely and spend time talking with them, not at them.

We don’t just have to change what we do, we have to change the way we think about what we do. We have to look with better eyes and make better decisions for our children.

A set of values is not the same as a comprehensive curriculum. It's a known set of statements that gives you a touchstone against which to measure your decisions.

There are two ways to go about teaching: (1) close your door and, within limits, teach the way you know and like; (2) become part of a learning community that actively pursues a common vision. The first choice avoids criticism and the time needed for collaboration, but it limits your growth and opportunities for your students to benefit from the community.

Take the time to reflect on your teaching. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of self-reflection and professional development is the talk and problem solving that takes place between colleagues as a result.

We know that teachers are individuals, and of course, you develop your own individual styles. But in pursuit of coherence, hold some things in common across the school for the benefit of student learning.

A set of values is not the same as a comprehensive curriculum. It's a known set of statements that gives you a touchstone against which to measure your decisions.

Teaching is a profession that requires continuous learning.

The development of your own expertise is of prime importance.