R3 Reflection

I feel very fortunate to have participated in the R3 pilot program. It has really affirmed many things for me as well as set me challenges to extend my thinking and practise.
The students have blossomed into more confident readers. They can name and use the strategies that they need to  use to be a good reader. The challenge is that they recognise and continue applying these strategies independently on a daily basis when they read.
When choosing the students for our group we really considered the length of time of the program and was mindful of who we chose. I believe that this selection process has been a key to the programs success. The students were keen and open to change. The challenge I had with my group was changing old habits that had formed over many years.
As a school R3 has opened the discussion around "good readers" in stage 3. My intervention room is set up between both years 5 and 6. This has allowed the teachers to "pop in" and ask what is that I have on the wall or what is that piece of text. Being open with the staff about my learning and my students has been powerful. Teachers have spent time with me during a lesson which has generated many discussions. We still have a way to go in developing our first wave reading practise but this has been a platform to begin discussion and trial new ideas as a team. I also shared my learning with our Reading Recovery teacher and Learning Support teacher. From this we implemented an R3 program in year 3 and year 5 this year.
I feel at the completion of this program that the R3 teacher has a role in monitoring these students to ensure they continue moving forward.
Overall I feel the students, teachers and myself gained a great deal from this program. Even after the pilot we will continue using this at St Anthony's.