English Language Arts/ Reading

Nanci Bell M.Ed

Nanci Bell M.Ed

• Nanci Bell is CEO and founder of Lindamood- Bell Learning Processes.
• She has extensive knowledge in the treatment of literacy disorders.
• Bell created steps to improve comprehension through the use of imagery.

Publications by Nanci Bell

• Seeing Stars: Symbol Imagery for Phonological and Orthographic Processing in Reading and Spelling
• Visualizing and Verbalizing: For Language Comprehension and Thinking

Christy Scott- 5th ELAR
1. What methods have you used to assess student learning?
"I have used STAAR results from the previous year, common assessment results, running records, and my own personal observations to drive my instruction. I have my students frequently set goals and create a plan to reach them. We track our progress in a data folder."
2. What specific programs would you like to see implemented to benefit struggling learners?
"I would love to see more adaptive programs being used when students are in the computer lab, or in stations. These programs can meet the learner where they are and help fill in gaps. These programs also offer rich data that the teacher can use to better enhance their teaching."

3. What are your favorite activities to support struggling learners?
"I like to make learning as kinesthetic as possible. I believe that when students are moving and doing the learner, they are better able to grasp difficult concepts."
4. How do you group your ELL or struggling learners? "I prefer to use mixed ability groups. I believe this helps all students learn from their peers."
5. Do you focus more on strengths or weaknesses? "I tend to focus more on weaknesses so that I can close learning gaps. I also reinforce their strengths to encourage them to push themselves as a learner."

Comprehension for Informational Passage

This close reading lesson is an exemplary lesson for several reasons. The teacher very explicitly states the objectives and expectations. He uses a variety of teaching strategies to reach all readers. He reads the passage and then gives students time to read on their own. He keeps the students engaged throughout the lesson by allowing them to discuss with their peers. He also selects students from a jar to ensure that everyone is participating. The teacher frequently performs quick checks to make sure that his students are understanding the material. It is evident that this is a risk-free learning environment where the students feel comfortable taking risks.

Amy Warntz- Twitter @iruniread
She was voted one of the top 36 teachers to follow on twitter. Her feed is updated almost daily with useful tips that address common ELAR issues in the classroom. She also shares her love of reading with snippets of books she is currently reading, both for professional development and for enjoyment.

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http://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/experts/nanci-bell