Sunday, January 10, 2010

Gipe chapters 8 & 9

I think it’s important to keep in mind the interconnectivity of the reading and writing processes, that they support each other and one cannot functionally exist without the other. Maybe as teachers we should encourage our students to seek out alternate reading materials beyond classroom text books to find magazines, newspapers, even product labels! Whatever it takes to peak a child’s interest and promote independent reading, because in the long run, these sorts of activities will positively influence the reading and writing relationship. If our students don’t have access to these types of materials, we should be busy collecting them and bringing them in, offering them as a “treat” if possible or a new and exciting addition to text book exercises. If students can find something that interests them personally, they will have more motivation to write and express themselves for their own purposes.

It’s an excellent idea to begin “creative” writing activities at an early age. Structured and nonstructured reading activities are a great way to explore a range of writing styles and genres, especially if you can turn them into word games where the whole classroom can participate.

Dissecting all of the different components that make up vocabulary and word recognition is an extensive process! It is something that comes so easily as an educated adult – I don’t even recall all of the effort that must have gone into learning how to understand words, match sounds with letters, and put it all together to make a sentence. It must be so frustrating for students with learning disabilities who struggle to put the pieces together. It will be helpful to be aware of the different ways to help students learn how to do this.

2 comments:

  1. I totally agree with changing up how to implement different activities. Some kids can get bored with your same worksheet activity and may benefit from a hands on activity more. In the end, we want our children to be as independent as possible and by keeping them bored, how are they learning?
    I really dont recall learning how to read or even what age I began to recognize words. Word games always were one of my favorite games to play, so I can see how it would benefit a child with a learning disability. I tend to have difficulty sometimes myself with some of the reading in grad school, mostly because I am too distracted from my environment, so I can sympathize with students who may have an attention disorder.

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  2. You have a great point about encouraging students to read materials other than just textbooks. I think magazines are a great way to spark a child's interest in reading! I mentioned in my blog how much more student enjoys writing when it is a topic of interest... the same thing goes for reading!
    I also don't recall learning how to read. I have to say I agree with Jen when she said that sometimes it is difficult doing the required readings for grad school. I don't think we can even begin to imagine what a struggle reading and writing are for students with learning disabilities.

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