As my field study comes to an end, I can reflect on what I have seen, heard, observed and

done in the classroom as I learned more about the teaching of reading. I was fortunate this
semester to have spent time observing a very experienced and effective teacher during her
literacy blocks. A Nationally Certified Teacher, my CT, Mrs. Yvonne Wahlers, was not only a
good teacher, but also a great role model. She was eager to share her thoughts and to listen to my
concerns and questions about the best practices she employees to teach reading and literacy in
general. She took time to give me a thorough explanation of what she was doing, why she was
doing it, and what outcome she expected to happen as a result.
I learned about the teaching of reading and writing, and in particular, how to integrate
reading and writing content throughout other areas of social studies, science and math. I
observed guided reading sessions with groups below, on, and above grade level. There were
many opportunities to work one-to-one with a number of students, some who are striving, and
others who are high achievers. Mrs. Wahlers was always ready to provide critical feedback on
how I was doing and I valued her comments and critiques. All of my experiences were valuable
learning moments--sometimes for the students--but every time for me. I even taught a couple of
short literacy lessons, from which I learned more about classroom management and how
organization is the most important part of content presentation. Knowing what you want to teach
is one thing, presenting it in multiple ways, for multiple learning styles, is quite another
challenge.
In the end, I came to appreciate what I was learning from the textbook was important, but
getting to apply that information in the class was even more valuable. The unrestricted nature of
field study hours affords a pre-service learning opportunity that comes with few expectations

beyond being willing to observe and try. That's a great opportunity for me, as an education
student, getting ready for my future role as a teacher.