I think making connections is a very important part of reading- not only words to definitions, but meanings as well. It's important to see parallels between different texts and within the text you are reading. I think this also helps with comprehension- if you can relate the subject matter to something you're already familiar with, it will help the reader understand it better. Good observations!
I agree and of course all our readings tell us that reading is a multi-layered process, but still the fact amazes me. I've worked for a couple years with kids who have trouble reading, and it is always mind boggling to me to try to break down the process - sounding out words, remembering what's been read, projecting, guessing, summarizing - all of it seems to use some many parts of the brain. Perhaps that's why the enjoyment of it is so important. The difficulty (especially for some) is so great that one has to want it before all those layers of learning and abilites can grow.
I like your observation about helping students to understand the reading and learning processes and helping them find strategies to improve. I think most people enjoy things they are good at and things in which they can see themselves improve. So I think students are more likely to enjoy reading if they see themselves succeed--whether that means reading a word, or a sentence, or simply mastering one strategy with which to approach text.
I agree with your observation that it is necessary to increase the amount of enjoyable reading that students do in order to increase the quality. I think that if students find things to enjoy in reading they will be prone to read more. But you made a very good distinction in indicating the importance of "quality." While increasing the quantity of enjoyable is important, the end result of increasing the quality of reading students do is extremely important.
I think making connections is a very important part of reading- not only words to definitions, but meanings as well. It's important to see parallels between different texts and within the text you are reading. I think this also helps with comprehension- if you can relate the subject matter to something you're already familiar with, it will help the reader understand it better. Good observations!
ReplyDeleteI agree and of course all our readings tell us that reading is a multi-layered process, but still the fact amazes me. I've worked for a couple years with kids who have trouble reading, and it is always mind boggling to me to try to break down the process - sounding out words, remembering what's been read, projecting, guessing, summarizing - all of it seems to use some many parts of the brain. Perhaps that's why the enjoyment of it is so important. The difficulty (especially for some) is so great that one has to want it before all those layers of learning and abilites can grow.
ReplyDeleteI like your observation about helping students to understand the reading and learning processes and helping them find strategies to improve. I think most people enjoy things they are good at and things in which they can see themselves improve. So I think students are more likely to enjoy reading if they see themselves succeed--whether that means reading a word, or a sentence, or simply mastering one strategy with which to approach text.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your observation that it is necessary to increase the amount of enjoyable reading that students do in order to increase the quality. I think that if students find things to enjoy in reading they will be prone to read more. But you made a very good distinction in indicating the importance of "quality." While increasing the quantity of enjoyable is important, the end result of increasing the quality of reading students do is extremely important.
ReplyDelete