Teacher Interview 10/29

Interview with Classroom Teacher

I did my interview with a first grade teacher in Montgomery County. She has taught first grade for three years.

What role does literature play in the classroom curriculum?

Literature is used in every subject area of the curriculum. We just read a book by Gail Gibbons about fossils for our rock unit. We read Time Magazine for Kids to learn about current events. Students do an author study each month in language arts and have daily silent and oral reading. Books are all around the classroom. I have a mix of fiction, nonfiction and a wide range of books for the many ability levels in my classroom. At the moment, I have one student reading on a 4th / 5th grade level. She is in her own reading group. It is very challenging finding books that are stimulating for her. Right now, I decided to have her read some biographies to help diversify the types of books she reads.


What kinds of books are chosen,Why and How?

Well, the first grade teachers work as a team with the Reading Initiative teachers to develop reading groups. Each reading group progresses through a series of books based on their reading level. The books are chosen because of the reading level and what we have available in the classroom. Beyond the reading program, teachers have autonomy over the books placed in the classroom and the books read to the class during story time. We have guest readers every week who choose the book they plan to share. The challenge in a mixed-ability classroom is having a wide range of books for all ability levels. At the moment I have a student from Japan who has very limited English. I want her to enjoy looking and experiencing books without being to bogged down by text. The librarian has been helping me find books for her.


Who decides what books are used in the classroom?

The teacher decides on the books used in the classroom except for the ones supplied for reading groups. These books have to have predetermined skill levels. The Reading Initiative program and the County dictate the choice of books in the reading program. Teachers have a lot of choice over the books for story time, silent reading, and content area reading. Most the books in my classroom library have been supplied to me through Scholastic orders. I also find books at the library related to the themes we are learning about.





What is the teacher’s theoretical perspective on teaching or specifically on using children’s literature in the curriculum?

This teacher emphasized having a language rich environment. She believes in exposing her class to a wide variety of reading materials. She uses literature across the curriculum primarily in science and social studies. She is enthusiastic about books and specific authors. She creates an environment where children enjoy learning to read.