School hosts fourth-grade model lessons - 6/20/08

Teacher Erika Bush leading a reading class along with students (left to right)  Amira B., Sarah W., John B., and Donald T.

Through an initiative stemming from the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Language Arts, Logan Elementary School in Dundalk shared its reading strategies with as many as 40 visiting teachers.

The initiative began in workshops designed to train teachers on the structure needed to implement meaningful independent and small group work for students in grades 4 and 5. Following the workshops, teachers of grades 4 and 5 from across Baltimore County were invited to six demonstration lessons hosted by Logan Elementary.

Left to right: Beth Hatton – Resource Teacher Office of Language Arts, Yvonne Barhight – Acting Assistant Superintendent, Tracy Robinson – Principal Logan Elementary, Dr. Joe E. Hairston – BCPS Superintendent, Erika Bush – Logan Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, Erika Luppert - Logan Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, Andrea Loher - Logan Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, Dina Fotopoulos - Logan Elementary 4th Grade Teacher

“The deliberate implementation of small group instruction allows every child to discuss what he or she has read. This helps students develop the higher-level thinking and responding strategies necessary for successful comprehension,” said Logan Principal Tracy Robinson.

During a pre-briefing, teachers learned about the demographics of Logan Elementary School, along with the school’s instructional priorities. After each lesson, visiting teachers had the opportunity to ask questions and share comments with the classroom teachers.
           

Logan’s fourth-grade teachers have consistently implemented the structure and routines featured in the prerequisite workshops, so much so that Principal Robinson calls them her “dream team.”

Principal Tracy Robinson leading Pre-Briefing Discussion

Erika Bush, one of the fourth grade teachers, said, “It is a pleasure to share my classroom with all of the teachers! Genuine conversations have played such an important role in my students’ growth this year and last year that I am eager to pass along this valuable resource activity.”

The four fourth-grade teachers at Logan have each been teaching two years or less and rose to the challenge of hosting not only other teachers but area superintendents, directors of instruction, and deputy superintendents. In February, Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston observed the demonstration lessons and had his picture taken with the fourth-grade teachers and Language Arts Office staff.

Teacher Erika Bush leading whole group instruction

Each of the six model lessons was enthusiastically received by visiting teachers, and the activity wasn’t lost on Logan’s students, either.

Said Logan Elementary fourth-grader John K., “I think it’s pretty cool when the teachers and Dr. Hairston come in to watch us. They get to see all the good things that we can do in reading. Maybe their students will like some of the activities, too!”

Story by Elizabeth Hatton, resource teacher with the Office of Language Arts, and Denise Kropkowski, pre-kindergarten teacher and Good News Ambassador for Logan Elementary School. Photos courtesy of Logan Elementary School.

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