Once again I'm joining Kimberley from First in Maine to talk about Catching Readers Before They Fall. I wonder if we've convinced anyone yet to read this book? You can visit Kimberley's convincing thoughts by clicking on the above graphic.
Chapter 7: I Thought I Knew How to Teach Reading, but Whoa!
What got me thinking...
"When working with students in beginning-level texts, you may think there are not many things to discuss. However, we encourage teachers to have conversations with children around these simple patterned texts."
I am guilty of simplifying my conversations with groups of students who are reading beginning level simple patterned texts. "I am laughing. I am running. I am crying. I am..." You know the kinds of texts I'm talking about. The above statement sure left me feeling convicted about my watered-down conversations. I am doing children a great disservice by not inviting them into deeper levels of thinking and comprehending regardless of the simplicity of text that they need. Mental note: fix that.
"By the beginning of first grade, phonemic awareness instruction should only be targeting those children who still need it."
This thought has me thinking too. I like to naturally imbed phonemic awareness into reading and writing, but for the first month of school, I also spend ten to fifteen minutes almost every day practicing phonemic awareness skills in hands-on, fun ways. Do all the kids need this? It depends on the class, but the answer is typically no. Mental note: think about this.
Thanks Kimberley for letting me share how this book is making me think outside of my comfortable box.
I couldn't agree more. I think this whole book has me thinking: Fix this. Think about this. Tailor this. Thank you for saying it so clearly.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Kimberley, there's nothing like personal professional development to get us making mental notes.
DeleteLooks like a great book! Almost makes me wish I was still teaching literacy
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
Tara, it is a great read.
DeleteI have been trying to make more effort to have deeper conversations with my younger readers also. Some of those books at first don't seem to have anything deep to offer. We had a story that the child asks the dad to go in the water and Dad says no each time. So we got into some conversations about why Dad might not want to go in the water. Their thinking about this was really good! Thanks for the reminder to do more of this. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, that's exactly what I need to get better at for sure.
DeleteNow you've got me thinking! That's why I love reading your blog, Tammy! You always get me thinking:)
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson
Welcome To First Grade Room 5
Connie, that's about the best compliment my blog can ever get. Thank you!
DeleteInteresting point regarding phonics in first grade...before our school dissolved, I was thinking about my advanced K readers and wondering how they would be engaged with the mandatory phonics workbook in 1st. I'll be using a different curriculum at my new job and I'm excited to see how it introduces phonemic knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAdding your book title to my reading list! I hope you are having an awesome summer!
:-)Chrissy
ReadWriteSing
Chrissy, I think you'll definitely enjoy it!
DeleteYes, Tammy, Amazon loves you because my wish list keeps growing because of you :) This book looks like a good one.
ReplyDeleteI think that thinking is ongoing - and even changes from class to class. I'm going to have to do some self monitoring during my discussions in guided reading next year. I do find though, that sometimes my lowest readers have some of the best ideas when they can hear a story instead of reading it.
Sara
Sara, I'm glad to hear I'm making points with Amazon. It's a great read! :)
ReplyDeleteOh boy...I'm afraid a lot of my firsties still needed that phonemic awareness practice at the beginning of the year. Definitely something to chew on. I'm anxious to see how my little readers come to me in second. How much has been lost over the long break, etc.
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, I'm sure it certainly depends on the group. It definitely has me thinking though. :)
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