Good teachers help children master these skills with an engaging variety of activities. In Mr. Carter's first grade reading class, each student has a personal basket of books, chosen to match his or her abilities and interests.
Bulletin boards offer children word attack strategies, with lists of spelling patterns and rhymes.
Each child has a journal filled with interesting writing. Because this is a high-poverty population, the district has made a conscious effort to create small classes. Activity centers around the classroom are well organized, containing puppets, stuffed animals, props, paints, paper, and plenty of writing materials. But what is most inspiring is watching Mr. Carter teach. For about two hours during reading period, he tirelessly keeps the children moving in an upbeat and energized pace from one interesting and valuable activity to the next.