My 2nd grade mentor, Michelle (the name she's chosen for my blog posts), teaches me something new each time we meet on zoom.us. I'm trying out different tools as I explore online tutoring, Last week when we met, I tried out the free Record of Read app developed at Clemson University by C.C. Bates and colleagues paired with epic books, which is free until June 30, 2020. I shared my screen with a selection I thought she might like and that would give me some more info about her reading strengths and needs. She started reading and then a few pages in abruptly stopped and said the pictures were covering up the words. Even though we were sharing the same screen, I thought she meant from her side the illustrations had somehow folded over on the text or had trailed off the screen. I said, "I'll try to make the book smaller, and we'll try again." (She is quite patient with me.). At the same point in the book she said, "I know the word is 'monster', but our pictures are covering it up." Then I got it! I gave her directions about how to click on the line above our pictures and we were able to continue. I continue to be grateful for her lessons for me.
As we moved our master's program online, I have studied and practiced online teaching and engaging adult learners. As COVID19 moved our reading tutoring practicum online, I supported my teacher candidates with tools to support the learning frameworks we were using (mini lessons and word sorts) to the online space. With a spirit of adventure, we joined teachers around the world learning to teach young children to tweens online, and we learned LOTS! Many of them became classroom experts in using new resources in virtual space sharing with each other. I've invited them to share their successes and tips on this blog so together we can join the spirit of generosity shown by so many to support each other trying the same work. We would love others to share their successes for this work to support teachers, reading specialists, university faculty and students working through university reading and literacy centers and clinics. I will also blog about my start in online tutoring with a patient and generous a 2nd grader who has agreed to help me learn how to do this work. I'll share our work from the beginning- building a relationship, assessing, teaching, and learning. Inspired by one of my literacy heroines, Lucy Calkins, I'm planning frequent updates on my learning with #digitallessonsfromachild. Hoping to hear from lots of you! |
ArchivesCategories
All
|