Enhancing Reading Skills with Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI)

1. LLI Leveled Literacy Intervention

2. Abstract • Scientifically based system that aims to improve student’s reading abilities by engaging them in small groups with books at their level • This short-term intervention assures close observation and the intensive teaching interactions that promote individual learning and allow children to make faster progress

3. Background • LLI is based on the Fountas and Pinnell gradient of text difficulty • LLI uses the term “leveled” because leveled books are a key component in helping children become competent readers

4. Research • Children who read below grade level at the end of grade one are likely to continue to read below grade level • A growing body of research shows that reading difficulties are preventable with effective intervention programs

5. Method • 7 university students worked with a group of 2-3 students for 30 minutes, 4-5 times a week • Running records helped us determine what areas the students needed help improving, which we focused on for the next lesson

6. Participants • In the beginning of the school year, the homeroom teachers identified the five lowest readers in their classroom. • The Reading Specialist at the school analyzed running records on each of these students and then put the students into groups based on their reading level.

7. Lesson Features • In LLI lessons, texts are matched to children’s reading ability.  • LLI lessons provide systematic instruction in phonemic awareness.  • Phonics Instruction • Fluency is developed through the integration of rereading texts in daily lessons. • LLI lessons provide daily opportunity to read new texts with teacher support.  • LLI lessons provide explicit instruction on comprehension.

8. Lesson Features Continued • LLI lessons provide opportunities for writing.  • LLI lessons provide opportunities to learn a core of  high frequency words. • LLI lessons are designed to expand vocabulary and develop oral language. • LLI lessons are highly motivating for children and teachers.  • LLI provides a direct, practical link to classroom instruction. • LLI lessons facilitate a home-school literacy connection. 

9. Lessons focus on: First and Second Grade • Matching texts to children's reading ability • Systematic instruction in phonemic awareness • Systematic instruction in phonics • Daily practice of oral reading to increase reading fluency • Explicit instruction on comprehension • Writing/responding to reading • Learning a core of high frequency words • Expanding vocabulary Third Grade • Matching texts to children's reading ability • Systematic instruction in phonemic awareness • Systematic instruction in phonics • Daily practice of oral reading to increase reading fluency • Explicit instruction on comprehension • Writing/responding to reading • Learning a core of high frequency words • Expanding vocabulary

10. Our Futures as Educators • We have experience: • planning lessons and working with students in small groups • developing reading strategies • keeping records • completing and analyzing running records • reflecting on our teaching and adapting to students needs

11. Enhancing Our Education • This project gave us real-life experiences in the classroom working with students to help them improve and develop their reading abilities. • We were able to prepare, organize, and implement lesson plans. • By reflecting on our teaching and using documentation and assessments we were able to adjust to our students’ individual needs.

12. Student Progress

13. Student Progress

14. Student Progress

15. Student Progress

16. References • Leveled Literacy Intervention Program Guide by Irene C. Fountas & Gay Su Pinnell • http://www.greenwichcsd.org/k6/ais/LLI.htm