Successes
Challenges
All five fourth grade students students showed growth in the area of fluency during the duration of my study. The students were able to set their own individual goals. This helped them build confidence in their ability to read, knowing that they achieved those goals. Stronger relationships were also built with support at home.
One of the challenges that was faced throughout the study was determining what was motivating for my students and what would encourage them to continue to read at home. I did not record them reading, so it was difficult for them to give themselves feedback because they couldn't go back and listen as they read.
Impact
This action research significantly impacted my students progress and growth. This shows the need to continue supporting my students through home connections. The importance of using research based instruction became clear when determining appropriate strategies to support student growth. Reading bags will be continued in the future because they demonstrate a strong impact on student learning and reading fluency. It also impacted partnerships with families and the way it can help support their child.
Changes
If I were to do this study again, I would start it at the beginning of the semester. I think it would be easier to determine routines and procedures coming back to school from break. Opportunities for students to record themselves reading would be provided, so they could use the rubric to determine their own fluency score. Another change would be to allow more time for students to look back and review the goals that they created.
Remaining
Questions
What amount of growth would there be if students used these strategies throughout the school year?
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What other strategies could I implement to further improve students' reading fluency?
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How would students listening to their recordings impact their perceptions of their reading fluency?
Moving Forward
Moving forward, reading bags will be used throughout the entire school year. I would also like to create a chart for students to document their progress throughout the year, so it is more motivating for them. Opportunities for students to listen to themselves reading will be provided. This would allow more opportunities for them to reflect on their own reading.