Joe Yukish took us through a more indepth look at leveling books today. I have a greater respect for all my teachers and elementary teachers in general. It is very challenging to work with children and teach them when they are too young to even know what they don't understand. As a graduate student I have a better grasp on what it is I need in order to learn best and can even take control of my learning. Not younger children. They are very dependent on the ability of their teachers.

I found the session was very interesting, especially the video which took us through a lesson of assessing a students reading level. Keshia was fascinating to watch. At first she was very engaged and excited about reading but became increasingly more deflated as she read and met more obstacles. I picked up many helpful tools on how to help a student who is stuck on a word. I'm beginning to think of ways I can move away from the usual technique of sounding out words. One thing I thought was very helpful was his emphasis on drawing on context and the child's own environment and experience. Very good tip! Works with adults too.