Learning List recently reviewed Heinemann’s Fountas and Pinnell Classroom™, which is a comprehensive reading product that supports literacy instruction in grades K-6. Instruction supports students’ ability to think within, beyond, and about text to make meaning. Six principles form the foundation of the system: coherence, responsive teaching, student inquiry, multi-text approach, language-based, and teacher expertise. The product includes print and online components. This review is of materials for Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Fountas & Pinnell Classroom ™ supports balanced literacy and reader’s workshop frameworks. Learning and assessment is designed for whole group (interactive read-aloud, shared reading, reading minilesson, and phonics), small group (guided reading and book clubs), and individual (independent reading and phonics) settings. The product is designed around the principle of responsive teaching, and therefore is student centered. The system includes collections of leveled readers and trade books, as well as text sets for book clubs. [Read more. . . ]
Lessons and resources provide varying levels of rigor, represent all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and all four levels of DOK, to meet the needs of all students. Students apply the reading skills they learn in a variety of settings, both inside and outside the classroom. The program provides students with continuous opportunities to interact with text at their instructional and independent reading levels. Books become increasingly more complex as the students’ skills increase.
Teacher kits provide extensive instructional resources, including a teacher guide (e.g., “Collection Guide” or lesson book), student books, lessons, pedagogy and implementation support. However, successful implementation will necessitate significant professional development for teachers not previously trained in balanced literacy.
About Heinemann and Fountas and Pinnell Literacy*
Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. They strive to give voice to those who share their respect for the professionalism and compassion of teachers and who support teachers’ efforts to help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens.
Fountas & Pinnell Literacy™
Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell have worked in literacy leadership for over twenty years. Professional development underpins Fountas & Pinnell Literacy™. Assessment, effective Intervention, Professional Books, and Classroom Resources combine to redefine and elevate literacy teaching and learning.
Fountas and Pinnell recognize every child’s right to grow up literate as a member of a dynamic learning community that values the richness of linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity. Members of the school community are treated and treat others with empathy, kindness, and respect.
*Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Heinemann and Fountas and Pinnell Literacy
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