June 25, 2012
June 24, 2012
Gretchen Jurlando
Where and What I
Teach
Hello everyone! I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally be posting my introduction, and I
can’t believe that June is almost over. Between technical difficulties, traveling, and taking care of my nieces (who are 6 and 3 three years old) I thought this might not happen until class
starts. But here I am, finally!
My name is Gretchen Jurlando, and I feel like I am in a very unique situation as far as teaching reading goes. I have spent 10 years teaching in FMD classrooms in Jefferson County, the past six at Whitney Young Elementary. However, this fall I am transferring to Lincoln Elementary to teach 2nd grade. For those of you not in Jefferson County, and even for those who are, but don’t know what a FMD classroom looks like; it is the smallest number of students that JCPS services (also referred to as Low Incidence because of low numbers) because of the severity of their
disabilities. To qualify for FMD, students must have a very low cognitive level and also very low adaptive functioning skills. I truly enjoyed my time in the FMD classroom and feel like I
was quite proficient at it, but it was time for a change.
I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1992 with a degree in Elementary Education, but did not begin teaching for another 10 years. In 2001, I was hired by JCPS with a provisional certificate to teach in a FMD classroom, while going to the University of Louisville to obtain my masters in moderate and severe disabilities. That pretty much brings us up to the present time.
About Me
I am a single mom with a 13 year old son, who attends Noe Middle school. When I am not working and have the money, I love to travel. Most recently my favorite trips have been to Cuba and Mexico, which brings me to another hobby, studying Spanish. I also enjoy reading, knitting, and anything that involves water (especially the ocean).
Recent Reads
Although reading is one of my favorite things to do, I haven’t been doing a whole lot of it.
The book that I most recently read, that I loved, was Jodi Picoult’s Change of Heart. I am excited to read during KRP in order to get me ready for this coming year. When I left Young for the last time, my principal said “read, read, read” (professional texts), and next week I am
going on a cruise so I will take both professional texts and fun reads. I will finish what I am currently reading Five Fortunes and probably start the Fifty Shades of Gray book.
Literacy in My Classroom
For this year, this part of my bio will drastically change. In the past, literacy in my classroom has
consisted of a lot of read alouds and meeting students individual reading goals. Most recently, there is more emphasis on comprehension for low incidence students, but this usually comes in
recalling information which, can be very difficult them. We answer a lot of “wh” questions. Discrete trial is a very specific strategy that is used to teach sight words, and two years ago we were provided with our first research-based reading program, Emerging Literacy Skills Builder.
Some other programs I have used either in their entirety or in bits and
pieces have been Reading Mastery and Rigby. My favorite reading computer software, is Edmark. It does a great job of getting students to read the books they provide in a relatively short amount
of time. And don’t all students love it when they first feel like readers!
Writing has mostly been done as shared writing. I model and students provide facts and
details, often using visuals as supports. Pixwriter is a computer
program that some of my students were able to use to publish their writing. My principal did an excellent job ofincluding all of her teachers in most reading and writing PD’s, so I feel like
I have a general background of what needs to happen this year, but like any
skill it requires practice and implementation. I feel like my strengths this year will definitely include working with struggling readers and writers, using data to guide my lessons, and scaffolding lessons.![]()
Teach
Hello everyone! I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally be posting my introduction, and I
can’t believe that June is almost over. Between technical difficulties, traveling, and taking care of my nieces (who are 6 and 3 three years old) I thought this might not happen until class
starts. But here I am, finally!
My name is Gretchen Jurlando, and I feel like I am in a very unique situation as far as teaching reading goes. I have spent 10 years teaching in FMD classrooms in Jefferson County, the past six at Whitney Young Elementary. However, this fall I am transferring to Lincoln Elementary to teach 2nd grade. For those of you not in Jefferson County, and even for those who are, but don’t know what a FMD classroom looks like; it is the smallest number of students that JCPS services (also referred to as Low Incidence because of low numbers) because of the severity of their
disabilities. To qualify for FMD, students must have a very low cognitive level and also very low adaptive functioning skills. I truly enjoyed my time in the FMD classroom and feel like I
was quite proficient at it, but it was time for a change.
I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1992 with a degree in Elementary Education, but did not begin teaching for another 10 years. In 2001, I was hired by JCPS with a provisional certificate to teach in a FMD classroom, while going to the University of Louisville to obtain my masters in moderate and severe disabilities. That pretty much brings us up to the present time.
About Me
I am a single mom with a 13 year old son, who attends Noe Middle school. When I am not working and have the money, I love to travel. Most recently my favorite trips have been to Cuba and Mexico, which brings me to another hobby, studying Spanish. I also enjoy reading, knitting, and anything that involves water (especially the ocean).
Recent Reads
Although reading is one of my favorite things to do, I haven’t been doing a whole lot of it.
The book that I most recently read, that I loved, was Jodi Picoult’s Change of Heart. I am excited to read during KRP in order to get me ready for this coming year. When I left Young for the last time, my principal said “read, read, read” (professional texts), and next week I am
going on a cruise so I will take both professional texts and fun reads. I will finish what I am currently reading Five Fortunes and probably start the Fifty Shades of Gray book.
Literacy in My Classroom
For this year, this part of my bio will drastically change. In the past, literacy in my classroom has
consisted of a lot of read alouds and meeting students individual reading goals. Most recently, there is more emphasis on comprehension for low incidence students, but this usually comes in
recalling information which, can be very difficult them. We answer a lot of “wh” questions. Discrete trial is a very specific strategy that is used to teach sight words, and two years ago we were provided with our first research-based reading program, Emerging Literacy Skills Builder.
Some other programs I have used either in their entirety or in bits and
pieces have been Reading Mastery and Rigby. My favorite reading computer software, is Edmark. It does a great job of getting students to read the books they provide in a relatively short amount
of time. And don’t all students love it when they first feel like readers!
Writing has mostly been done as shared writing. I model and students provide facts and
details, often using visuals as supports. Pixwriter is a computer
program that some of my students were able to use to publish their writing. My principal did an excellent job ofincluding all of her teachers in most reading and writing PD’s, so I feel like
I have a general background of what needs to happen this year, but like any
skill it requires practice and implementation. I feel like my strengths this year will definitely include working with struggling readers and writers, using data to guide my lessons, and scaffolding lessons.
June 20, 2012
Choice Words Discussion Repost
With all the introductions, the discussion thread got moved way down, and I wanted to bring it back to the top of the blog. We look forward to reading the dialogue about your thoughts on Choice Words. Dr. Sherretz and I are very excited about how quickly KRP will be here!
Choice Words
Our pre-institute reading is Choice Words by
Peter Johnston. I chose this book because it powerfully illustrates the
importance of the words that we use. Language is essential in establishing a
caring, healthy, and intellectually stimulating classroom. As you read the book,
please discuss how you might be able to apply what you are reading in your own
classroom. What insights or observations can you offer? Do you disagree with any
parts of the book? Let's discuss!![]()
Choice Words
Our pre-institute reading is Choice Words by
Peter Johnston. I chose this book because it powerfully illustrates the
importance of the words that we use. Language is essential in establishing a
caring, healthy, and intellectually stimulating classroom. As you read the book,
please discuss how you might be able to apply what you are reading in your own
classroom. What insights or observations can you offer? Do you disagree with any
parts of the book? Let's discuss!
June 11, 2012
Hello! My name is Sara-Beth Meredith and I teach an ECE Self-Contained class at Rutherford Elementary. I completed my second year of teaching this year as well as successfully completing KTIP. I enjoy the challenges of ECE and the unique teaching style that goes along with it. I also have a masters degree in Educational Counseling, which plays a vital role in my teaching ECE students.
I am a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. I have an older brother and younger sister, which makes me the middle child. I have wonderful, supporting parents who babysit our 2 year old daughter so that we do not have to worry about putting her in daycare. I have been married for 7 years to an amazing man. He has made my life an adventure and has shown me how to have fun and enjoy life. We are building our first home, which will be ready at the end of July. We are very excited about the new place and look forward to expanding our family in the new home.
I enjoy reading romance and mystery books. Unfortunately, I have not read a book in a while. It has been a long time since I have read a book for me. My husband and I do read every night to our daughter so I read a lot of Pete the Cat and Dr. Seuss. When I do get five minutes to myself I usually try to scrapbook or throw myself in a new craft project. My latest project was a wreath that I made my mom for Mother's Day. I would like to read again for fun, but feel as though I have temporarily lost my love for reading while going through school. I know my interest for reading will come back and I'm hoping it will start with KRP.
As an ECE teacher I find that my students have not developed a love for reading because they are struggling readers and find it to be very frustrating. I want to show them that they can be successful readers and read books that they want to read. It is a constant battle in my room to get students to read. It was very difficult to get my students to even read for three minutes because they think it is too hard. I am anxious to learn new strategies to teach my students to read. My hope is that I can restore my love for reading as well as create a love for reading for my students.![]()
I am a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. I have an older brother and younger sister, which makes me the middle child. I have wonderful, supporting parents who babysit our 2 year old daughter so that we do not have to worry about putting her in daycare. I have been married for 7 years to an amazing man. He has made my life an adventure and has shown me how to have fun and enjoy life. We are building our first home, which will be ready at the end of July. We are very excited about the new place and look forward to expanding our family in the new home.
I enjoy reading romance and mystery books. Unfortunately, I have not read a book in a while. It has been a long time since I have read a book for me. My husband and I do read every night to our daughter so I read a lot of Pete the Cat and Dr. Seuss. When I do get five minutes to myself I usually try to scrapbook or throw myself in a new craft project. My latest project was a wreath that I made my mom for Mother's Day. I would like to read again for fun, but feel as though I have temporarily lost my love for reading while going through school. I know my interest for reading will come back and I'm hoping it will start with KRP.
As an ECE teacher I find that my students have not developed a love for reading because they are struggling readers and find it to be very frustrating. I want to show them that they can be successful readers and read books that they want to read. It is a constant battle in my room to get students to read. It was very difficult to get my students to even read for three minutes because they think it is too hard. I am anxious to learn new strategies to teach my students to read. My hope is that I can restore my love for reading as well as create a love for reading for my students.
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