I agree with your points that the emphasis concerning reading should N0T be on achieving academic goals - pressuring students to get an A or pass a test can be especially overwhelming for a younger student. You're correct - skills should develop naturally, and forcing or hurrying up the process doesn't help whatsoever.
I'm right there with you two! I think the first years in school should be spent freely practicing and developing skills in reading, instead of testing and grading and essentially labeling students as good or bad at reading. I can't see any real benefits to testing and grading reading, but there sure are a lot of reasons not to. It's crazy that it's still happening. I work in some schools where kids rush to finish their book, just to hop onto a computer to test. They ask so urgently, as if, if they have to wait to take the test, they won't remember the details they will need for their test. It's sad:(
I like your point about the importance of emphasizing HOW to read as well as reading for enjoyment. This is a good way to put it. When the emphasis is placed on passing tests and getting good grades, then it can distract from the two most important (?) parts of a literacy program.
I'm getting in line with the rest of you, ladies. If we push kids and label them as strong or weak readers too early, WE are the ones potentially stealing their opportunity to shine as a reader and/or enjoy reading. Certain things may get in the way of being able to read at a certain fluency, but that doesn't mean EVERY child can't enjoy reading, no matter what level they're at. Encouraging students, especially very young ones, is of utmost importance. We all have at least one weakness, but we also all have strengths (in all subjects) and kids are particularly aware of them, but we as their teacher can emphasize their strengths so as to build confidence. It all comes down to two(?) things, building confidence and encouraging reading for pleasure.
I agree with your points that the emphasis concerning reading should N0T be on achieving academic goals - pressuring students to get an A or pass a test can be especially overwhelming for a younger student. You're correct - skills should develop naturally, and forcing or hurrying up the process doesn't help whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you two! I think the first years in school should be spent freely practicing and developing skills in reading, instead of testing and grading and essentially labeling students as good or bad at reading. I can't see any real benefits to testing and grading reading, but there sure are a lot of reasons not to. It's crazy that it's still happening. I work in some schools where kids rush to finish their book, just to hop onto a computer to test. They ask so urgently, as if, if they have to wait to take the test, they won't remember the details they will need for their test. It's sad:(
ReplyDeleteI like your point about the importance of emphasizing HOW to read as well as reading for enjoyment. This is a good way to put it. When the emphasis is placed on passing tests and getting good grades, then it can distract from the two most important (?) parts of a literacy program.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting in line with the rest of you, ladies. If we push kids and label them as strong or weak readers too early, WE are the ones potentially stealing their opportunity to shine as a reader and/or enjoy reading. Certain things may get in the way of being able to read at a certain fluency, but that doesn't mean EVERY child can't enjoy reading, no matter what level they're at. Encouraging students, especially very young ones, is of utmost importance. We all have at least one weakness, but we also all have strengths (in all subjects) and kids are particularly aware of them, but we as their teacher can emphasize their strengths so as to build confidence. It all comes down to two(?) things, building confidence and encouraging reading for pleasure.
ReplyDelete