CtRCS Hosts Archdiocesan-wide In-service

Christ the Redeemer Catholic School hosted an Archdiocesan In-service for CtR and area teachers on Monday, Feb. 18. Below is an synopsis of the day. Third grade teacher Michelle Matlock was involved in the planning of the in-service and pleased with the collaboration throughout the day.
 
“It was a great experience to watch teachers share ways that they are integrating our Catholic faith into their lesson plans and daily activities as well as the many ways that they are implementing small group instruction into their reading and writing instruction,” she said. “I am excited to try some of the ideas that were shared today and look forward to future in-service days with the 3rd grade teachers in our Archdiocese!”

Pre-K 3 through 3rd grade teachers learned about balanced literacy and collaborated with other teachers of the same grade level. The morning session focused on the components of balanced literacy. Balanced literacy is an instructional delivery model that integrates various components of literacy instruction, which are aimed at guiding students toward proficient and life-long reading and writing. Second grade teacher Ashley Wetwiski presented a Pre-K lesson.

Second grade teacher Alexa Delgado, who was on the planning team, explains it further.
 
“Balanced literacy is characterized by explicit skill instruction and the use of authentic texts,” Delgado said. “The afternoon session gave teachers the opportunity to collaborate within their grade level on mentor texts and resources for subject areas as well as integrating Catholic identity, values and virtues into lesson plans and activities.” 
 
Teachers in 4th-8th grade focused on St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body and how it can be integrated into all content-area classrooms to grow strong Catholic disciples of Jesus Christ.