KENT READS WITH PEERS

In this clip, several activities are in process in the classroom. In a corner students are engaged in a group poetry reading. Other students are reading their books that are part of reading workshop for them.

Kent is in the 3rd grade. Too often, students his age who are not reading at grade level get much negative attention and pressure to perform at higher levels. They often absorb the message that "I cannot learn to read". It is critical that students who struggle enjoy reading, are around people with reading skills and interests from which they can model, and have respectful support for reading at their own level while at the same time worrking to improve.

In this clip, we see Kent involved in reading with peer partners. Notice how he both reads his book some yet is also interested in the books being read by his partners. They read aloud for him some modeling reading strategies and practices. The teacher will later conference with Kent, ask him to read to her, and help him individually. Here, however, we see his involvement with peers absorbed in reading. Kent feels comfortable we can tell knowing that he is part of the club of people involved in reading and literacy.

Michael Peterson, 2003

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