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| (Click above for other Saturday Sayings.) |
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| (Janice is one of my favorite teacher mentors. She trained me in Reading Recovery my third year of teaching and changed my teaching life forever. Sappy but true.) |
I can't say for sure that Janice invented this saying, but she's the one who brought it to life for me, so I'm giving her the credit. This next quote confirms that she was ever so right.
"Lots of easy reading is absolutely critical to reading development and to the development of positive stances toward reading." Richard Allington, What Really Matters for Struggling Readers 44
If a lot of easy reading makes reading easy, then wouldn't it be safe to say that a lot of hard reading makes reading hard? If it's hard, then it's for sure not enjoyable. If it's not enjoyable, then why try? I'm pretty sure most of us know a reader or two (more like handfuls) who have found themselves in this boat. No doubt many factors affect the attitudes and abilities of these readers, but I wonder how many of them simply haven't spent enough time with books that are easy.
I think it's important to make sure that "a lot" and "easy" are part of what our developing readers experience. Both parts of the equation are necessary.
- How much time do our kids actually spend reading books independently?
- How much of what they read is easy for them?
P.S. I like to share this saying with parents. It's typically an eye-opener for them.
I agree, Tammy, that can be an eye opener for parents sometimes. I think they sometimes feel that if it is really easy, the child is not learning or progressing. Another great Saturday Saying!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, that's exactly what they think. Easy isn't such a bad thing.
DeleteLove it, Tammy! I'm so excited to start using all I'm learning through great blogs like yours this summer.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks for all your encouragement on our blog!
Thanks,
Crystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, I'm so glad this is something that will be useful this year for you. Thanks for letting me visit your blog!
DeleteI totally agree with you Tammy! Students need to have reading experiences that are developmentally appropriate for them and accessible. Unfortunately, my school district is going a different way with this and is upper the rigor of reading quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteKatie
Teach Love Laugh
Katie, thanks for adding to the conversation. I hope you have the freedom to do what's best for your readers!
DeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteSo I tried your suggestion for grabbing the button and it worked! New problem...how do you move the button around in your post without effecting everything else. I inserted one button and it worked. When I tried to insert your button at the end of my post it put it in the beginning. I tried to move it, but it messed everything up. Can you help me? Thanks so much!
Christa
sweetlifeofsecondgrade
Christa, I emailed you. :)
DeleteI love this Saturday Sayings. This is why I make fluency and rereading the same text such a priority for my students and I think it has made all the difference. One of my coworkers launched into a whole tirade one day about her kids just memorizing books and not really reading it. It really got me thinking about what reading is. Thanks for sharing. I love love Saturday Sayings. Maybe one saturday I'll join in.
ReplyDeleteMs. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
Kerri, thanks for adding your comments to the conversation today. Rereading easy familiar text is so beneficial like you said. I love that you love Saturday Sayings, and I'd love for you to join me. Let me know when, and I'll link up with you!
DeleteGreat Saturday Saying, Tammy! This is such an important message that lots of people just don't seem to get. I think that they feel that if the book is readable their child is somehow "cheating." It's amazing how much kids and adults enjoy reading when they are doing it "right."
ReplyDelete:)
Teach~Play~Smile
Keri, that's so true about the "cheating" thing, as if something is wrong if the child doesn't have to work too hard. As an adult, I sure love my easy Grisham novels that I can read in a few days. Kids needs that experience too. I love what you have to add. Thanks!
DeleteGreat thought, Tammy! Some years back, I began reading YA fiction; mostly to have insight into the world my tweens were entering, but also for easy reading pleasure. (I have great respect for YA authors...they tackle big subjects with finesse.)
ReplyDeleteEducating the parents of my kindergartners on the many facets of reading is a joy for me. The process is about so much more than phonetic knowledge. :-)
Do you mind if I grab your button and add a saying today?
ReadWriteSing
Chrissy, thanks for your added thoughts today. I would love the company. Please grab away and join me.
DeleteI agree 100%. My kids are always so relieved when I tell them they need to be reading easier books -- ha ha. They always look so surprised!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Barbara, surprised indeed! Parents too. Thanks, as always, for coming by!
Deleteits always good to read! I am your newest follower and I cannot wait to read more of your posts and hope that maybe you can return the favor and follow my preppy blog. I always comment back and would love to start a friendly relationship with your wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteThe Preppy Student, thanks for joining my blog today. I appreciate new friends here.
DeleteOoh, this is GOOD, I always enjoy what you write, so now I'm following.
ReplyDeleteSara
Thanks Sara. That's very sweet of you to say. Thank you for following.
ReplyDelete