I think one of the most difficult things about teaching kids to read is the amount of irregularities that exist in the English language. For example, you described that your student pronounced the h in "honor". From a logistical standpoint, it would make absolute sense to pronounce that letter, especially when compared to the word "honest". It pleases me that your student was able to correct herself, without any prompting from an adult, but it makes me think about what would be the best way to explain these strange English pronunciations.
That is a good question, because you can compare those words (honest and honor) to words like horror, where you should pronounce the h. It's pretty tricky. I'm not sure how to teach that. Maybe we will find out soon;)
I am impressed that your student not only self-corrected after "honor," but applied the same rule and reasoning to "honest." Those are tough English language rules to learn. It amazes me how our minds are able to learn all these rules of grammar (spoken and written) and syntax. Not just English, though English is one of the harder languages to learn and understand (especially as a 2nd language), but all the languages of the world.
I have found that one of the most difficult things for elementary students who are still relatively new to reading is summarizing what they read. Many times the student is still struggling to get the words right that they do not pay attention to what is happening in the story. It is so great when kids begin to recall what they have read and reiterate it for you. Your reader sounds like one who has gotten to that point already.
She really didn't struggle much, and knew all about the story. I think it helped that she picked the book:) Also, this girl seems exceptionally bright, like the one you would pick for a "helper" for other kids in the class, and she is self motivated to read. I think she has a very supportive family when it comes to reading also. :)
I think one of the most difficult things about teaching kids to read is the amount of irregularities that exist in the English language. For example, you described that your student pronounced the h in "honor". From a logistical standpoint, it would make absolute sense to pronounce that letter, especially when compared to the word "honest". It pleases me that your student was able to correct herself, without any prompting from an adult, but it makes me think about what would be the best way to explain these strange English pronunciations.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good question, because you can compare those words (honest and honor) to words like horror, where you should pronounce the h. It's pretty tricky. I'm not sure how to teach that. Maybe we will find out soon;)
DeleteThis is why it is so difficult to start with the rules--there are so many exception to every rule.
DeleteI am impressed that your student not only self-corrected after "honor," but applied the same rule and reasoning to "honest." Those are tough English language rules to learn. It amazes me how our minds are able to learn all these rules of grammar (spoken and written) and syntax. Not just English, though English is one of the harder languages to learn and understand (especially as a 2nd language), but all the languages of the world.
ReplyDeleteI was really impressed with her reading ability and confidence too! English is a tricky language with all of our specific rules :)
DeleteI have found that one of the most difficult things for elementary students who are still relatively new to reading is summarizing what they read. Many times the student is still struggling to get the words right that they do not pay attention to what is happening in the story. It is so great when kids begin to recall what they have read and reiterate it for you. Your reader sounds like one who has gotten to that point already.
ReplyDeleteShe really didn't struggle much, and knew all about the story. I think it helped that she picked the book:) Also, this girl seems exceptionally bright, like the one you would pick for a "helper" for other kids in the class, and she is self motivated to read. I think she has a very supportive family when it comes to reading also. :)
DeleteKara...this is a good example of how tunnel vision--an overemphasis on the words--distracts from making meaning.
Delete