My group and I discussed many thing during our literature circles. We got into how we felt about each character, the animation, and how it was written. We also exchanged views on our opinions on graphic novels and if the book was hard or easy to read.
There were several things that I enjoyed about the lit circles. I am a person who loves to talk about my favorite television shows, movies, and books with other people so this was fun for me. I am a text-based reader so it was difficult for me to focus on the illustartions while reading. My group would point out certain pictures that were funny during our discussions that I would've otherwise never seen. We were also able to explain things to eachother that another group member may have misinterpreted.
When I become a reading teacher, I would love to hold literature cirlces for my students. I liked that they were student oriented and not topic restricted. I think it's important for students to be able to discuss what they want about the book and let their thoughts run freely. I think these circles will help to create a love for reading and help the student figure out what types of books they like and don't like.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Chapter 3 (BK)
In Chapter 3, I learned about culture and literacy, students at risk of failing to succeed, and supporting struggling readers.
It is important for cultural and school expectations for literacy to match. I was not aware that if family literacy was not the same as the school's, that the child would have difficulty learning to read at school. Because there is so much diversity, schools need to focus on what each student brings to the table and figure out how to introduce new forms of literacy to them. It is crucial to consider socioeconomic status, language-minority status, special needs, and poverty when coming up with literacy groups and programs in schools. Teachers must be aware of the background and the needs of their struggling readers in order for them to succeed.
It is important for cultural and school expectations for literacy to match. I was not aware that if family literacy was not the same as the school's, that the child would have difficulty learning to read at school. Because there is so much diversity, schools need to focus on what each student brings to the table and figure out how to introduce new forms of literacy to them. It is crucial to consider socioeconomic status, language-minority status, special needs, and poverty when coming up with literacy groups and programs in schools. Teachers must be aware of the background and the needs of their struggling readers in order for them to succeed.
Chapter 2 (BK)
In chapter 2, we read about how we learn, language learning and development, and family literacy.
I found it interesting to see all the factors that can affect cognition. Schema theory, prior knowledge, patterning, metacognition, social and cultural contexts, emotions, and motivation all affect cognitive learning. I also learned how important it is for children to gain oral language structure. Early on, they experiment with the sounds language makes and symbols which will help them transfer this knowledge later. Not only is literacy affected by what you learn in each phase going through school, but it is also greatly impacted by family life. It is important to share literacy experiences as a family, have literacy material accessible in the home, and for all family members to practice a good attitude towards literacy. Parents can start their child's literacy success at home.
I found it interesting to see all the factors that can affect cognition. Schema theory, prior knowledge, patterning, metacognition, social and cultural contexts, emotions, and motivation all affect cognitive learning. I also learned how important it is for children to gain oral language structure. Early on, they experiment with the sounds language makes and symbols which will help them transfer this knowledge later. Not only is literacy affected by what you learn in each phase going through school, but it is also greatly impacted by family life. It is important to share literacy experiences as a family, have literacy material accessible in the home, and for all family members to practice a good attitude towards literacy. Parents can start their child's literacy success at home.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Chapter 14 WK
This chapter focuses on finding the right book. If you listen to children, you will see that they will tell you what they are motivated to read. I learned what features are important to reluctant readers in fiction and nonfiction.
What I found interesting about this chapter was how to sell the books to a reluctant reader. Reading aloud the beginning of a book will motivate the student to finish it at home. I was surprised to hear that if you don't have excitement in your voice while reading, the students will take this as a sign of a bad book. I like the idea of selling the book cover as motivation. We are always told to never judge a book by it's cover, but we all do. It's nice to see this being used. Last, I think it's important to familiarize students with a library. This is a good way to help develop lifelong readers.
What I found interesting about this chapter was how to sell the books to a reluctant reader. Reading aloud the beginning of a book will motivate the student to finish it at home. I was surprised to hear that if you don't have excitement in your voice while reading, the students will take this as a sign of a bad book. I like the idea of selling the book cover as motivation. We are always told to never judge a book by it's cover, but we all do. It's nice to see this being used. Last, I think it's important to familiarize students with a library. This is a good way to help develop lifelong readers.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Relevant Texts
This article is about what makes a book culturally relevant. Students do much better with culturally relevant stories because they can understand them better and in turn, become more engaged and want to read more. This may also help them understand who they are and where they come from. Readers find it more interesting to read a book that is familiar because their backgrounds can help them make inferences and predictions about the story.
I think it is a great idea to have a rubric that students and teachers can use to determine how relevant a book might be. Having books on all different races and different cultures will allow all students to feel important and valuable. It is important for children to be able to relate to characters and events in a story. They will be able to learn things about their culture that they otherwise would not of had the chance to.
I think it is a great idea to have a rubric that students and teachers can use to determine how relevant a book might be. Having books on all different races and different cultures will allow all students to feel important and valuable. It is important for children to be able to relate to characters and events in a story. They will be able to learn things about their culture that they otherwise would not of had the chance to.
Chapter 1 BK
This book is a highly researched study of children's understanding of the curriculum and education they receive. There is a very close connection with reading, writing, speaking, and listening. BK can act as a teacher's guide on reading instruction.
Learning to read is so important that an elementary school is judged on all student's reading success. The terms reading and literacy go hand in hand. Reading is the most important aspect in education in an elementary school. Literacy is important for critical and creative thinking and needed to participate in the real world. It is important to always continue to develop skills and strategies while engaging in text. It is also important for all teachers to be prepared and knowledgeable about the strengths and needs of their students.
Learning to read is so important that an elementary school is judged on all student's reading success. The terms reading and literacy go hand in hand. Reading is the most important aspect in education in an elementary school. Literacy is important for critical and creative thinking and needed to participate in the real world. It is important to always continue to develop skills and strategies while engaging in text. It is also important for all teachers to be prepared and knowledgeable about the strengths and needs of their students.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Lit Circles
I have educated myself on Literature Circles by viewing some defining websites on the topic.
Being an extremely selective reader myself, I like that students choose their own reading materials. I think it's a good idea to form small groups of children who like the same books so they can discuss them and grow confident as readers. I also like that children take notes to guide themselves through the books and discussions. This seems to me like this exercise will help them to develop great reading skills and strategies. I think it would be fun to role play, create, and be involved in such an imaginative environment.
Being an extremely selective reader myself, I like that students choose their own reading materials. I think it's a good idea to form small groups of children who like the same books so they can discuss them and grow confident as readers. I also like that children take notes to guide themselves through the books and discussions. This seems to me like this exercise will help them to develop great reading skills and strategies. I think it would be fun to role play, create, and be involved in such an imaginative environment.
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