(More Saturday Sayings found by clicking above.)
Admittedly I don't understand all the ins and outs of what the Common Core refers to as text complexity, so I'm in no way attempting to argue the standards. I don't have enough knowledge to do that. On the contrary, I have a lot of respect for the Common Core and what it's attempting to do for education. When I read this quote though, I was reminded of the importance of easy and pleasurable reading. One of my literacy mentors, Janice Sullivan, planted this quote into my teaching pedagogy several years ago.
A lot of easy reading makes reading easy.
This year my grade level team is passionately pursuing the goal of fluent, confident readers for all our kids. I know. Like, duh. That should be a given, right? And yes it is, but we're growing weary of not radically moving the kids who arrive on our doorstep already struggling and indeed improve but not enough. We send them off to the next grade without becoming those fluent, confident readers we were hoping for. We're not entirely quite sure how to pull this off, but I'm pretty sure a lot of easy and pleasurable reading is a key factor.
This is such a great quote! Young readers are just like adults. Adults don't usually enjoy doing something that is really hard for them to do. It follows that students won't want to read if it is such hard work. Give them some time in easier books to build fluency, confidence, and enjoyment! :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, thank you for adding your thoughts to my post this morning. (Thanks for adding your thoughts to every post. It means a lot.) You're very right. Our young readers aren't so much different than us.
DeleteI agree with the idea of "a lot of easy reading". Children need it to see the patterns in reading and to build confidence. Lots of reading on the child's independent/easy level is the key to future success. I really enjoy "Pete the Cat" every time I read it. It is well below my normal level, but still awesome!
ReplyDeleteLiteracy Minute
Sandi, I love your Pete the Cat point! :) Thank you for sharing your comments with me and those who read my blog.
DeleteEasy reading ... I agree! I read ALL the Nancy Drew books as a kid. They were super easy but it's what I needed to develop fluency and comprehension.
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Thanks Barbara for coming by. I love knowing you agree. :)
DeleteTammy,when you have a moment do you mind emailing me at beleyne@gmail.com. I have some math questions I'd like to ask you and for the life of me I can't find your email address. Must be time to go to bed;)
DeleteThanks!
Barb