I watched the video called Writer's Journal and I loved, loved, loved his tactic of having the children fill in the missing words and letters during their morning message. He specifically left out words that the children were familiar with and that he had already incorporated into the classroom word wall. As children began to read the message, they noticed the missing words and letters and then, by process of elimination and unknowingly using syntax clues, began to discuss and determine which words could possibly fit and/or make sense. I believe this skill is critical in developing young readers and writers and would be extremely beneficial when attempting to raise confidence levels and excitement in children.
I also appreciated his excited tones when it came time to read and write. Children will imitate our words and actions and even our moods so I believe he sets the stage for the children to have positive outlooks and, eventually, to become more well-rounded readers and writers!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
For this blog assignment, I watched the Podcast on Readingrockets.com that was titled Parents as Partners. I have always said, from early on in my college experience, thinking that if only we could get parents involved at home, at the earliest of ages, that teaching children to read would be so much easier. The Podcast discussed avenues that schools can take to continue to reach out to parents, children and communities and to inform them of resources that are available to them.
One thing I found particularly disturbing was the discussion of Public Library access. While it seems as though libraries are in every community, it was interesting to hear that very few families or parents of small children actually have memberships or participate in any of the activities that are held at or sponsored by the library. Perhaps it could be a lack of transportation? More likely, I believe, it is a lack of awareness or knowledge. In addition, once the families arrive at our libraries, are they made to feel comfortable, welcome, and important enough to be excited to read?
The Podcast discussed the different laws that are attempting to combine school and home in order to provide children with the best learning opportunities. No Child Left Behind and Reading First are exposing families who may have initial difficulties or who could be more likely to struggle with reading, or education in general. I think it is important that we continue to find ways to enable our families even before the children walk into the doors of our school.
As a 5th grade teacher, I see the benefit of students who have involved, concerned and caring families. I see it in their abilities to read, write, socialize, and function in a group environment. I am concerned for the children whose families can't or won't put their educations first. I understand that most families want to do the absolute best for their children but sometimes are unable to provide, either financially or with time devotion, and I think it is definitely our responsibility to reach out and help those families.
One thing I found particularly disturbing was the discussion of Public Library access. While it seems as though libraries are in every community, it was interesting to hear that very few families or parents of small children actually have memberships or participate in any of the activities that are held at or sponsored by the library. Perhaps it could be a lack of transportation? More likely, I believe, it is a lack of awareness or knowledge. In addition, once the families arrive at our libraries, are they made to feel comfortable, welcome, and important enough to be excited to read?
The Podcast discussed the different laws that are attempting to combine school and home in order to provide children with the best learning opportunities. No Child Left Behind and Reading First are exposing families who may have initial difficulties or who could be more likely to struggle with reading, or education in general. I think it is important that we continue to find ways to enable our families even before the children walk into the doors of our school.
As a 5th grade teacher, I see the benefit of students who have involved, concerned and caring families. I see it in their abilities to read, write, socialize, and function in a group environment. I am concerned for the children whose families can't or won't put their educations first. I understand that most families want to do the absolute best for their children but sometimes are unable to provide, either financially or with time devotion, and I think it is definitely our responsibility to reach out and help those families.
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