Literacy Journal

Today I began my Dyad placement at Audubon Elementary in a multicultural 3rd grade.  It was a sharp contrast to the 1/2 gifted (Quest) children, I had at Franklin Elementary.  I had the opportunity coming out of the gates to work independently with five children and do a brief assessment of their writing, and vocabulary skills.  As you might expect there can be some dramatic differences in the skill levels, certainly within a classroom, and in comparison to the younger Quest kids I have.  Interesting observation I have had with the Quest ones is how sometimes while their mechanical skills are good (writing, use of compound sentences, etc), but getting started and the creative aspect is sometimes lacking.  Maybe they see things to concrete, literal and find it challenging to use their imagination.  I will find it interesting over the course of my Dyad experience to compare and contrast their skills, and glad I have this opportunity to have this different experience.