Supporting Students in Reading and Writing
Focuses on what children should know and be able to do in beginning reading and provides research- based strategies, activities, and assessments to support the paraprofessional in improving students’ reading and writing abilities with a particular emphasis on strategies for one-on-one and small group instruction. Includes phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabet recognition and phonics, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. Designed for teaching assistants seeking New York State certification, paraprofessionals with instructional duties in schools, and those interested in pursuing a degree in teaching. Prerequisite: ENG101
Subject Code: EDF
Course Number: 105
Credits: 3
Lecture Hours 3
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Examine the history of reading and identify characteristics of a minimum of three approaches to teaching reading
2. Examine the role of an instructor of reading and writing by demonstrating the ability to: create and use a lesson plan, know the students, prepare the environment, and use individualized and small group instruction
3. Identify and explain the components of early reading and writing composition skills including: phonemic awareness, word recognition, background knowledge, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension
4. Identify reasons why students lack motivation to read and write and evaluate appropriate motivational strategies
5. Apply at least three questioning strategies and analyze how each promotes critical thinking and elicits responses in the classroom
6. Identify observation and recording techniques used in the classroom
7. Integrate (through role play, lesson plan development, etc.) the use of manipulatives to support instruction
8. Identify and apply a minimum of two strategies for one-on-one and small group instruction
9. Reflect in writing an approach to reading instruction after interviewing a current classroom teacher about his/her approach and the rationale for its use
10. Compose and organize a 4-5 page research paper on a related topic using appropriate online full-text databases and documentation of sources and present their findings to the class.
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Tutoring Services
Tutoring for all GCC students is available free of charge by professional and peer tutors. We are offering tutoring online for: accounting, math, writing, chemistry, physics, general biology, anatomy & physiology, American Sign Language, and success skills.
