PALS

 Dear Tired Teacher...

It's close to the middle of May, and for many of us, that means it's close to the end of the year, our energy, and our fire. We're tired. 

My school is seeing lots of change - maybe they're good, maybe not. We are on the state's naughty list (low-performing schools), and with that comes added oversight, responsibility, and stress. In the end, though, it's going to be for the best. Our school will emerge revamped and refreshed, and we'll be ready to take on the world.

But not today. Today we are tired.

Here's what I use regularly in ELA, and not just when I'm tired. I can tell you it works for any text, any level student, any subject. Little to no prep. You can do it today. It's that simple.

More importantly, though, it that it's GOOD.

PALS is a research-based partner reading strategy. Students take turns reading aloud to their partner, who "coaches" them, and then they switch roles. You can set a timer for the turns, or just listen to the reading and switch when you're ready. You can have questions or discussion topics ready to go to display to the class to interrupt their reading and check for understanding. 

Here are some links: 

"Peer Assisted Learning/Literacy Strategies"

"What is PALS?"

The good news here is that PALS is easy to prep, easy to implement (with a little student training), and highly effective. You can listen in on reading for progress monitoring, find places where readers stumble or get confused, or find places in the text that are funny to students. You are turning over the work to them.

Dear tired teacher, you're going to make it. You're not alone. PALS can help you find a little relief. The end of the year is a great time to try something new, and if it works, you'll have a fantastic tool in your box for next year.

Hang in there, friend. You're going to make it.

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