"In this classroom, we are kind, we try our best, and we never give up—because learning is an adventure, and we're in it together!"- Mr. C
Using Assessments to Drive Instruction
As the years progressed in and my teaching practice, my teaching practice continued to improve. This was possible because of my planning and preparation. Under the mentorship of Ms. Claudio I was able to learn how to structure my lessons around the curriculum with fidelity in a targeted approach to hit the New York State educational standards.
Structuring the lessons is absolutely based on student data and how I use my data as the school year progresses. I use the following sources of data to guide my student placements and groupings:
I-Ready Student Assessment Data
In- Class student artifacts
M- Class Data Analysis
Fundations Assessments
End of Unit Math Assessments
End of HMH Unit Assessment
2nd Grade Fundations
Fundations is a multi-sensory and structured language program. Students are actively engaged in the lesson from the beginning to the end. Students in grades 2nd grade must receive a systematic program emphasizing the following:
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics / Word Study
High Frequency Word Practice
Reading Fluency
Comprehension Strategies
Handwriting
Decoding Words
In second grade every lesson begins with a warm up drill where students practice key consonant and vowel sounds that students have not yet mastered.
A typical lesson then proceeds to the New Concepts part where students learn key phonemic skills that will help them continue to grow as readers and writers.
The lesson then proceeds to the student application portion where students use their materials to practice writing trick words on gel pads, practice spelling on in their compositions books, and write examples of new grammar rules within their student notebooks. The curriculum has an extra pop of fun for the students as they are also asked to build words with their magnetic boards as well.
Sofia Fundations Artifact
Fundations Data Collection!
Fun Hub Unit Data Collection
Engles Fundations Artifact
Student Dictation Tracking
P.S. 109 Reading Block
I follow the HMH reading curriculum with fidelity. I am in the practice of using data to create reading groups that encourages the idea and practice of reading. My lesson plans have always displayed focus statements, anchor charts, and teaching points that help students push forward and identify several early childhood reading concepts.
Please see below for an example of my literacy approach to teaching important reading concepts to our scholars.
HMH Theme Lesson Plan
Buddy Reading
The goal of this lesson is to teach scholars that a narrative can have a lesson that the author is trying to teach us. This lesson focuses on calling that lesson the theme or moral of the story. This concept is taught using the anchor chart from the HMH curriculum.
In my class I incorporate visual prompts of the text and vocabulary words so that language connections can be made. Afterwards the scholars have the ability to put their understanding into action as the student apply their thinking during a turn and talks, writing, and presentation of their pieces to the class.
Students Using Book Baggies expressing their enjoyment for reading
M Class is a program that allows educators to progress monitor student progress through certain literacy activities.
Small groups are automatically created based upon student results with targeted lessons to address a need students may have.
Student Data Progression BOY-MOY 2024-2025
HMH Turn and Talk Routine
M-Class Small Group Instruction
Small Groupings
Small Group Lesson Plan- CVC Word Blend
Math Practice
Creating math experiences that are engaging and fun are always the goal of my math practice. I have followed the Eureka curriculum to allow students to solve engaging math problems with exciting techniques.
Manipulatives are an important attribute to my practice as math should be tangible for an emerging learner. I have also incorporated the use of number talks to allow students to feel comfortable having math conversations that are engaging in an inclusive manner for all students.
The 5 Mathematical Practices
Data Drives Instruction!
Class 2024 End of the Year Data
Observation Report January 2025
Class 2025 Current Data
Observations
Observation Report April 2025
My Mentors!
Ms. Claudio took me under her wing and taught me the importance of dara collection, Proper Writing Instruction, and classroom management. Her influence on my practice continues to be worth more than words can describe.
Ms. Williams was my first year teaching mentor at P.S. 109. She taught me the value of analyzing data, proper parent communications, and creative ideas for lesson plan slide shows.
Ms. Santana was assigned my mentor in my second year at P.S. 109. Her experience and way around the classroom taught me the importance of charting, classroom decor, and proper planning.
Feedback!
I pride myself in being able to receive and immediately implement all suggestions my administrative team asks of me. I am completely coachable as this work is always a learning experience. Please see below for examples of feedback received from my teaching practice.
