You identify the wide range of "symbols" that upper elementary children read. What stands out to me is your point about how children's experience with travel, music, theater, and other cultural performances enhance their reading abilities. Which also points about what Gallagher talks about this week in the readings about those children who experience word poverty. Those who don't have access to those experiences outside of school are at a distinct disadvantage for reading. Thus, finding ways to integrate those things into our teaching is of the utmost importance.
You brought up an interesting point regarding the "summer reading gap." I had never really considered how big a factor socioeconomic status can be in the reading process until the last few weeks. However, I was very surprised and disturbed to hear how much it can "widen the gap" between readers with more exposure to materials and those without. It's truly a stunning issue. I was interested to read some of the suggestions Gallagher had for others teachers broadening their library in the classroom. Great points to carry forward.
It will certainly be interesting to have all different levels of readers in our classes. It will be important to reach each student at their level of reading. You also bring up a big point with self-esteem and motivation, it certainly ties well with our ed psych class. It will be crucial for us to use positive reinforcer's to help build that esteem.
Heather, It's amazing to think about all the different things that this age group reads, everything from books to maps to toy assembly directions. It really solidifies that our society is dependent on reading and thus it's all so important to establish early on good reading habits and skills. We as a society must already inadvertently know this as we see the embarrassment of the students who are not as proficient as their peers in this ability. -Jessie
You identify the wide range of "symbols" that upper elementary children read. What stands out to me is your point about how children's experience with travel, music, theater, and other cultural performances enhance their reading abilities. Which also points about what Gallagher talks about this week in the readings about those children who experience word poverty. Those who don't have access to those experiences outside of school are at a distinct disadvantage for reading. Thus, finding ways to integrate those things into our teaching is of the utmost importance.
ReplyDeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up an interesting point regarding the "summer reading gap." I had never really considered how big a factor socioeconomic status can be in the reading process until the last few weeks. However, I was very surprised and disturbed to hear how much it can "widen the gap" between readers with more exposure to materials and those without. It's truly a stunning issue. I was interested to read some of the suggestions Gallagher had for others teachers broadening their library in the classroom. Great points to carry forward.
Jessie,
ReplyDeleteIt will certainly be interesting to have all different levels of readers in our classes. It will be important to reach each student at their level of reading. You also bring up a big point with self-esteem and motivation, it certainly ties well with our ed psych class. It will be crucial for us to use positive reinforcer's to help build that esteem.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to think about all the different things that this age group reads, everything from books to maps to toy assembly directions. It really solidifies that our society is dependent on reading and thus it's all so important to establish early on good reading habits and skills. We as a society must already inadvertently know this as we see the embarrassment of the students who are not as proficient as their peers in this ability.
-Jessie