Assignment #2 - Write a brief reflection on what you learned from Becoming Readers and Writers video with Sheila Owen

I found this video very interesting as my current job as a TA in Uniondale relates very much to this classroom.  I think the aspect of this bilingual classroom has some very important and successful points that I see now in my current position.

The gradual release of responsibility during the 4 stages of reading mentioned in this video stimulate discussions, lead children to be more comfortable and successful and helps children express themselves in relation to the book and to their classmates.

The Read Aloud segment showed how predictions of stories by just looking at the cover help the child relate and understand what can happen next in the story.  I think this makes the story that much more enjoyable, and like shown in the video,the children requested it be available for them in their independent reading.

Centers are such a great learning tool for all grades, but I see it especially in the younger grades how they've helped my own children.  My son is a kindergartner and has bilingual students in his class and he will come home and ask me many words that he learned from his classmates, whether he heard in centers, on the playground or just normal conversation.  Keeping students in their native language during these times during class help them become better and stronger readers.  The collaboration and showing each other what they know is very encouraged.