Cooking Up RTI

I admit it . . . I am a cookbook addict! Are there any others out there? I love looking through new cookbooks for that perfect mix of ingredients that will make my family's mouth water at the thought of it. I think, however, every time I am looking at a new cookbook, that I need one like a hole in the head. What I really need to do is go back through the ones I already have and use the recipes in them. Refine them, perfect them, and save the money and space in my house!

I am feeling that way about RTI and the Ohio Third Grade Guarantee. I am overwhelmed by the expectations, at this point. What I need to do is to go back to what I know. Refine it, perfect it, and present it to the kids in small portions so that they can begin to understand the concepts of reading. Obviously, if they have been selected for RTI, they have some "holes" in their learning, and I need to find ways to help them connect the reading dots so that they can be successful. I have spent a lot of time looking through a lot of websites with the latest and greatest recipes for reading success. What I really think I need to do is to take a deep breath, and start back at the beginning. I was looking through my vast stock of books and materials and I came across the Fountas and Pinnell Phonics books that I purchased many years ago. These are some very sound reading activities that should fit the bill. Whew!

It's so easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the unrealistic expectations placed on teachers today. I love the analogy of holding the dentist responsible for the number of cavities each of his patients have upon a visit to the office. Sometimes it seems the same for us. However, when I look into those small, trusting faces, I realize that I am the person, in their lives right now, who needs to help make a difference at this moment. That is my call . . . .