I benefited from this activity by personally experienceing reading activities in a classroom that reflected the guide lines mentioned in our text, "Reading and Learning to Read."  The classroom represented many of the recommendations suggested in Chapter 15.  Some examples were the literature circle where the students had opportunities to collaborate in groups and engage in active learning while the teacher was the facilitator.  The students had control of their learning experience while the classroom was well organized and managed.  By providing students opportunities such as the literature circle and creating a classroom that is organized and well managed gives teachers the time to focus on individual assessments in a natural environment.  This is important in meeting the assessment requirements as stated for students from K - 3 in the Connecticut Blueprint for Reading Achievement.
     The experience helped me achieve my course objectives by an insightful experience that demonstrated the importance of a classroom that fosters natural reading through the interplay of instruction strategies, environment, and materials.  There were many instances displayed in the classroom that incorporated many facets of reading and literacy.  The posters, charts, books, and classroom arrangement were key elements to an effective classrooom. 
     This artifact influenced my learning, thinking, and teaching by showing me how important it is to carefully plan a classroom environment that encourages students to control their learning experiences.  Also, that students benefit the most when they are actively engaged in their learning experiences.  I do believe that it is important for teachers to be familiar with her students so that she can anticipate her student's lessons in order to work out a well planned learning environment.  For instance, her students will not all be at the same level of reading ability, so she needs to anticipate the needs of all her students when she plans a room and lesson that will encourage students to be in control of their own learning experiences as well as guiding them in their scaffolded learning.
     In the future, I will be intune to the needs of all students.  There is a saying that "inclusion is a recognition that all children have special needs."  This is important to keep in mind when planning a classroom environment to meet individual needs.  When the arrangement and management of a classroom is accordingly, teachers won't be so overwhelmed in meeting all the needs of her students.    
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