Teacher Reflections on R&R

Below are quotes from teachers who have used the R&R model in their classrooms.

The intervention was very effective.  I feel the students improved and were confident of the newly acquired knowledge.  Their vocabulary skills improved, and their general knowledge of language concepts such as rhyming and phonetic awareness blossomed.  It was hard work, but it was rewarding to see the children learn and their confidence grow, as well. 

I had some concerns about implementing R&R at the beginning, about how difficult and time consuming it would be to implement.  I also worried that it would be a problem to work with the small group while the others were left with one teacher, but I was wrong on all accounts.  It was easy to use R&R, and it did not take so much time, especially once I had some practice.  It was a great experience!

The small group lessons provided the target children with a fundamental boost, not only academically, but socially and emotionally, as well.  I observed as they became actively involved in large groups and work time activities.

Three of the target children were shy and timid.  The small group sessions helped these children express themselves.  Additionally, I observed an increase in their participation throughout the day. 

I had one target child who had never been in school before and spoke virtually no English.  This child definitely bloomed in vocabulary and conversational skills.  The small groups really helped the children develop communication skills.

First, I was a bit apprehensive about R&R, but after the first two lessons, I got the hang of it.  I observed my small group students were participating more in class activities and during class discussions.  In comparing all three assessments across the year, the results were very promising.  The intervention group students improved their language skills, became very confident, and were eager to participate in their daily R&R lessons. 

I have seen improvement across the board.  Three of the four target children were very quiet at the beginning of the year- almost non-speaking.  Now they are talking and raising their hands, even in the large group.  They have become really involved and feel more confident.