A lot of the information that I read about in this chapter correlates with what I have learned and am learning about in my EDEL 300 class. Things like the "Think, Pair, Share" activity were discussed in my class and in the text and it was really cool that it worked out the way it did because I feel like I am getting really in-depth instruction about these ideas since I'm learning about it in two different classes. Going along with that, I think that the "Think, Pair, Share" activity is a great way to encourage reading comprehension because it allows children to bounce ideas off of one another, but still requires them to have their own ideas and thoughts to bring to the table. Another good resource that was discussed is Reader's Theater and it could be an especially valuable activity for children that have trouble sitting still for very long periods of time.
Another section of the chapter that is really near to my heart is when it discussed kind of how much pressure we put on parents to be supplemental instructors to our lessons when in reality, that is very often not a realistic thing to expect. Many times, in middle and high school especially, I would come home with an assignment that I did not comprehend and my parents were not able to give me as much guidance as I needed. It was a very frustrating experience, both for my parents and myself. We have to understand as educators that not everyone has extremely supportive parents that have the background knowledge to teach everything their child is learning at school. Having said that, we also need to keep in mind how important it is that we give as much useful and efficient instruction as possible because it is oftentimes the only instruction they will get. An astonishing fact that I learned through my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, is that one out of four children in America grow up without knowing how to read. Knowing this, we need to be aware that since this is the case, there are many parents out there that may not have the time, resources, or background knowledge to read with their students.
Literacy is obviously something I am very passionate about, considering I chose a concentration in reading as well as joining a sorority whose philanthropy is focused around literacy and I hope that all teachers, including ones that do not have a concentration in reading are able to realize and understand that sometimes as teachers, you are the only resource a child has to reading.
Hello Kristin!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at how many reading comprehension strategies were introduced and included in this chapter. Some of the strategies listed like the K-W-L chart, graphic organizers, partner reading, literature circles, and Think-Pair-Share. But I noticed that you took particular interest in Readers Theater. I think that Readers Theater is a great reading activity for children for a multitude of reasons. It includes reading fluency, supporting struggling readers, and reading comprehension in elementary literacy instruction. Involvement in dramatic play also improves children’s ability to cooperate in group situations, to participate in social activities, and to understand human relationships. It amazes me how just one activity can have multiple benefits to our students. I also really agree with your thoughts on how teachers and educators are putting pressure on parents to be supplemental instructors to our lessons. I think that it is sometimes unfair of us as teachers to put so much pressure on parents, but I also believe that parental involvement is a huge huge huge benefit and accelerator of children’s education. There are simple things that parents can do with the time that they do have with there children like pointing out environmental texts and even just asking about school and what they are learning. I am also a reading concentration so I am passionate as well and loved that you expressed your passion for reading!
Hi Kristin!
ReplyDeleteI love how you connected this chapter to your EDEL 300 course. I am currently in EDEL 300 and I see what you mean, we are at the point in our education where everything is coming together and blending very well. Everything I learn in one class can be applied to another class or foundation for what is to come! I love how you mention Reader’s Theater! I love thinking about children being active and excited in literature! You talk some in your post about parents, and I think it is very interesting what you have said. We as teachers do put pressure on parents to be supplemental instructors and then gets aggravated when they cannot, do not, or will not help their child. We need to keep in mind that sometimes it is not that parents do not want to help the children but rather they do not understand or they work late. You have a very thoughtful post! Thanks!
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, because I agree with a lot of your opinions! I especially appreciated your thoughts on parental guidance with their children. As educators, it can be very frustrating to us when our students' parents do not seem to care about their education. I think it is important to understand though, that parents are very busy! They do not always have time to work with their children every night. We would love that; but it is not always realistic! Although I believe all parents should be interested in their child's education, it's important to think realistically.
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI have not taken EDEL 300 yet, but I have learned about text comprehension in other classes as well, such as EDRD 320. That is really good that you are receiving information on a topic in two different classes. You will be better prepared to teach it that way. I love Think, Pair, Share for that reason too! It gets the students working collaboratively but it still requires personal thought. I loved your point about how some parents might not have the means to help their children with their schoolwork outside of school. I think that is why our jobs will be that much harder because we have to make sure they are understanding what we are teaching them at school so they will be able to do it themselves at home. I agree- we might be the only resource they have! Even though that is a sad realization, we can use that fact to motivate ourselves as teachers and to help the child as best we can.
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteIt was great that you were able to connect this class to your Edel 300 class and that it reinforces what we are learning. I to am a huge fan of the Reader's Theater because of all the areas that it covers as Lindsey mentioned. Also, I like the Think, Pair, Share idea as well. If you notice, Dr. Sydnor has us do this in class about once a week or so. As for talking about the pressure that is on parents to help their children, I understand that some parents are working two jobs, etc. and may truly not have the time to help their child. However what frustrates me are the ones that won't take the time and say they are to busy. To me if you have time to watch Netflix, go on Facebook/Twitter, or whatever, then you have time to read to your child or help them in anyway you can. I'm very passionate about reading and that's why it is one of my concentrations.