[lily74]

Today was my first day of Summer School. My first day meeting the students and finding out anything about them!! (I usually teach 3rd grade).

So I am wondering how to give each student the best instruction over the next 4 weeks when their needs are soooooo different. These are students who will be entering 1st grade in August.

I have reading levels (DRA) that range from 1-3.
I have some students who could not complete a connect the dots puzzle with numbers 1-10. ie. could not recognize the numbers correctly or name them in order.
And I have a few students who cannot write their name independently.
Students know between 3 and 30 sight words.

I have 12 students on my list, but only 9 came today. And I have a full time assistant.

I had planned to do some centers, while working with small groups. And really individualize this small group time.

Any advice appreciated. thanks

[Sbkangas5]

With 12 kids, I would definitely spend a lot of time in small groups. Either 3 groups of 4 kids with one group working independently, or 4 groups of 3 kids. I would have every kid meet with you or the aide every day. Preferably I would meet with every group every day. Independent groups could work on handwriting, word work, alphabet skills, listening to books, etc. You and the aide could work on reading and writing and target those skills they are lacking. I would also reinforce letter recognition and sounds every single day.

Same thing with math. I don't know how long your day is, but I would try either small groups for math instruction as well, or split them in half and you and the aide each work with 6 kids.