Four-Blocks Literacy Model

The Four-Blocks Literacy Model is a framework for teaching literacy skills in the elementary grades. Having taught both first and second grades within this framework, I have observed how it impacts learners of all different levels. I am a firm believer in the importance of varying instruction and methods in order to meet students’ needs. Because we are not all the same and do not learn in the same ways, this framework provides a way to meet these needs by allowing multi-level and varied instruction. 

The four approaches to reading and writing instruction described in this model are Guided Reading, Self-Selected Reading, Writing and Working with Words. Through my WikEd project, I explained each approach and how it is applied in the classroom. Each approach has several goals that helps to focus the framework. This basic overview can give the interested reader an understanding for each block and its basic goals for instruction. I began my research with literature that was already present in my classroom. I have used several texts as guides for implementing the Four-Blocks framework within my classroom. The texts give specific examples and scenarios for implementing the framework. 

The effectiveness of the Four-Blocks Literacy Model has been  researched  to some extent. This document describes several schools that have implemented the framework and the success rate. I did not include success stories from my own district because no formal evaluation of the program has been administered.

I feel that the idea of multi-level instruction and instruction for different learning styles is very important to educators. Too often we try to teach concepts in the same way to all students, not taking the backgrounds of students, learning styles, and ability levels into consideration. I feel that this WikEd topic introduces the Four-Blocks Literacy Model and supports its success.

Hopefully other educators will access this site and find it beneficial. I like how the WikEd entries include personal testimonies and experiences. It is very beneficial to have quality opinions expressed about issues or topics in education.

Webpage Construction

I created my pages using NvU. I organized and linked essays, wonderments, replies, WikEd work and my mediation report to my ePortfolio page. I find this web authoring tool easy to use. I had some trouble linking my audio file to my introduction essay. Overall, through using NvU, I was able to successfully display my coursework.

Other Contributions to WikEd Topics

1. Circle of Courage - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony. I explained the program implemented at my school that is similar to Circle of Courage. This program is called C.H.A.T. (Classroom Harmony Achieved Today) and supports many of the same ideas expressed in the WikEd page.

We have a program at my school called C.H.A.T. - Classroom Harmony Achieved Today. This program is designed to teach character development and conflict resolution. When an incident happens in the classroom where there is a conflict, a C.H.A.T. circle allows the participants to talk about the incident, identify solutions and make amends. I have had several chat sessions in my classroom that has allowed for the classroom community to make decisions based on the best interests of everyone involved. This program allows students to establish caring relationships for one another and put feelings first. - Marcy Flessner

2.  Reading Recovery - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony having taught first grade and worked with a reading recovery teacher.

I taught first grade my first year in the teaching profession and was met with the challenge of teaching twenty-one six year olds to read. I had a low group and the Reading Recovery program really helped my struggling readers. It was definitely a plus to be able to provide the individualized attention to those students. I still had struggling readers by the end of first grade but can only imagine how difficult it would have been for those children if they had not received the extra help every day. - Marcy Flessner

3. Sustained Silent Reading - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony as my class participates in silent reading daily.

We have a silent reading period during the day. Usually this time is used to work on Accelerated Reader points. Because students have goals to work toward with Accelerated Reader, silent reading time usually runs pretty smoothly. If you are having trouble with students taking too much time at the bookshelf selecting books you may want to try this idea. This school year I provided each of my students with a cardboard magazine holder. I call these book boxes. Students are to find books to read for silent reading time in the morning before the bell rings and put these books in their book boxes. When silent reading time arrives, students simply take their book boxes to a certain spot in the room to read. At the end of the day or the next morning, students can trade their books for the next silent reading time. - Marcy Flessner

4. Token Economy - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony having implemented a token economy in my classroom.

I teach second grade and use a token economy system. Students earn tokens for good behavior, correct answers to questions in class, neat handwriting and other things. White tokens are worth one, red tokens are worth five and blue tokens are worth ten. Every Friday I hold an auction in which students can bid on prizes. Students have to count their tokens before the auction and this allows for extra practice for counting money (token values are like pennies, nickels and dimes). My students have really enjoyed this system and work very hard to earn tokens. Sometimes I have students pay me tokens at the end of class if they talk out of turn or break another rule. - Marcy Flessner

5. Technology Integration into Core Curriculum - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony having used SMARTboard technology in my classroom.

I very much enjoy using technology with my lessons. I have had a SMARTboard for a little over a year and sometimes wonder how I survived without it. We recently completed a networked learning project expoloring matter. Students were to choose an object and describe its properties by completing a survey. Then, students from other schools involved in the project could guess the objects. Later, the pictures of the objects were posted on the website for others to see. It was a neat experience to learn about others from different backgrounds. - Marcy Flessner

6. Character Education in Children's Literature - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr281.shtml

7. Decoding - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

Tutoring Strategies for the Primary Grades

8. Mediation - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

Guided Meditation for Primary Students

9. Word Wall - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

Four-Blocks Literacy Model

10. Parent-Teacher Conferences - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony.

I am a second grade teacher and my district does not use student-led conferences, though I think they are a great idea. I attempt to avoid any surprises at conferences by sending out weekly reports expressing students' grades and behavior. Around two weeks before conferences, I send home a short questionnaire to be filled out by parents. This allows parents to voice concerns or questions they wish to be addressed at conferences. This helps to assure that I address all concerns/questions - M. Flessner

11. Running Records - I contributed to this site with a personal testimony having given running records while teaching first grade.

I have used running records while teaching first grade in conjunction with our Reading Recovery program. I found running records to be very helpful in determining student reading level and monitoring growth. I did not receive any formal training in conducting running records, which made it very difficult in the beginning. - M. Flessner

12. Classroom Climate - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

An Internet Hotlist on Classroom Climate

13. Electronic Whiteboards - I contributed to this site by adding a helpful website.

Engaging Learners the SMARTboard Way

14. Manipulatives in Mathematics Instruction - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

Virtual math manipulatives: http://www.ct4me.net/math_manipulatives.htm

15. Caffeine - I contributed to this site by adding a link of interest.

Wikipedia article on caffeine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine

16. Accelerated Reader - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony having used AR with my students. 

I have used the Accelerated Reader program as a second grade teacher. The program has been motivating for some students but has caused issues as well. Students become very competitive. Students are so worried about getting good scores on the tests, they look in the book for answers. Some are even so competitive that they try to log in as other students to see how many points the others have acquired. In a way, I feel it takes the joy out of reading and causes unnecessary competition. M. Flessner

17. Homework Motivation - I contributed to this site by adding a link.

http://www.parenting-ed.org/html/html/Homework%20Handout%20.htm

18. Discipline in the Computer Lab - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

Our school had a set of notebook computers that could be checked out and used in the classroom. These computers were soon destroyed in the classroom of one junior high teacher because of a lack of discipline. It is surprising how kids can tear up property without a second thought about the expense. M. Flessner

19. Teacher Mentoring - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

Teacher mentoring is very important. I was assigned a mentor my first year of teaching and she seldom asked how I was getting along. We both taught first grade but she was not overly helpful. My mom also taught first grade and basically served as my mentor my first year even though she was at a different school. It was very difficult to survive my first year without the support of a mentor. Luckily, I had other helpful and personable teachers to rely on. M. Flessner

20. Response to Intervention - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

We have recently implemented RtI for reading within our k-3 grades. It is an excellent way to progress monitor students. We use the DIBELS assessment to monitor the growth of students. The test is given at the beginning of the school year, in January, and at the end of the year. The test is given more often to students who are struggling. We use this assessment to measure reading fluency. We are only in the beginning stages of implementing RtI. - M. Flessner

21. Active Listening - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

Active listening is an important skill that many people lack. After learning more about active listening, I have increased my efforts in having students discuss problems with one another and really listen to each others views. The benefits have been great and I feel that my students are getting along better with each other. Active listening is a skill we must all reflect on to improve our relationships. Hopefully I am modeling this skill for my students. M. Flessner

22. Attention Deficit Disorder - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

I also agree that ADD/ADHD can be overdiagnosed. I have had a few students that had obvious attention problems but would make a lot of progress by the end of the school year and seem to be able to concentrate better simply by maturing. I had two boys in my class diagnosed with ADD and they were hard to control when they were together. They were really good friends and good kids but would become difficult to handle when together. They were two of my most enjoyable students! M. Flessner

23. ADD or Just Not Listening - I contributed to this site under the Technology and the Classroom heading.

I wish teachers would open up to the possibility that learning to use new technology in the classroom may actually save time and be very beneficial. I use Notebook Software with my SMARTboard and am able to save lessons. In this way, I can access the same lesson for the next year or review previously taught concepts any day I feel it to be necessary. I believe this to be an excellent time saver. M. Flessner

24. Competition in the Classroom - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

I teach second grade and have noticed that playing games helps motivate my lower students and those students who have difficulty paying attention. It can have a very positive impact on students who need a little extra excitement. They have another reason to learn the material - so they can help their team win the game. I have also had students who do not want to participate in games because they do not want to be the reason their team has failed or they do not want to feel bad themselves. Using competition wisely is very important. M. Flessner

25. Computer Gaming as a Learning Tool - I contributed to this site by adding a personal testimony.

Computer games have a useful place in the classroom. I have a SMARTboard and use games to reinforce skills. I usually let two students play at a time while the rest are working independently or with the teacher. Games should not be the core of instruction but can illustrate concepts and help students practice new skills. M. Flessner