The charge from Johnson and Keier makes me think of the classroom books that I make with my kids. When it comes to these books, reading seems so much easier. So what is it about classroom books that makes reading easy? Here's my short list.
meaningful
student-centered
authentic
authored by the readers
often repetitive
typically simple text
good picture support
available to read over and over
Are these possibly some of the qualities of reading that make it easy, whether classroom books are involved or not? It's a question and topic that deserves more of my attention and reflection. I'd appreciate yours as well. There must be ways to make reading easy for those who find it hard. Those little struggling readers deserve the effort it might take for us to make getting into the literacy club easy too.
I've heard the percentage of 90% easy and 10% work for young students when reading. Knowing and practicing what to do when encountering an unknown word is important too. My students have to practice that a lot to become efficient at using strategies. We are not there yet, but moving towards that goal.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, yep 10% is what I've heard too. It's those kids who need me to find ways to make reading easy. I totally agree about strategies. Using them doesn't come naturally to these kids.
DeleteI think it depends on the student. It does seem easy for some!
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
Tara, yep it certainly does. Some could learn to read in my room with my eyes closed and hands tied behind my back. :)
DeleteI think that struggle to find reading easy gets harder as they get older. I have one second grader who is the sweetest boy, but when he comes to my guided reading table, he has "defeated" written all over him. I think part of that is he is realizing the gap between him and other students. I like your list of ideas to help. I think my simple class books are read by all of my students at least once.
ReplyDeleteSara, sometimes finding the right book or the right author can make reading easier for some too, because you're right that the defeated attitude just makes it harder for the older kids.
DeleteI just received my 23rd kindergartner and have been told to expect at least 5 more by the end of January. This pushed me into a new sphere of wondering how to facilitate learning for all.... does "Catching Readers..." address the concern of class size? There are only so many minutes in each day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, friend!
Chrissy, oh I'm so very sorry. That is way too many little people. Finding ways to make reading easy is definitely not easy when the teacher to student ratio is a challenge. Ah bless you.
DeleteI agree with Lori. The kids need to feel successful with just right books for them and read them over and over. Sometimes parents will tell me certain books are too easy for their kids but when I check they're often too hard and the poor kid is struggling and hating it. Even most adults enjoy reading "easy for them" books as long as the content is engaging. But you already know all this Tammy:)) I have no doubt that you're a fabulous reading teacher!
ReplyDeleteBarb, I tell my parents, "A lot of easy reading makes reading easy" when they say that books are too easy for their kids. I also tell them what you said about adult readers. I really enjoy my easy Grisham reads. :)
DeleteSo true Tammy !!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about kindergarten Shared Reading is so important and easy to do! When I introduce a new book I have to have my students hold back their desire to read it with me! The kids easily pick up those big books and pointers and eagerly read!! It may sound terrible to say this but I think teachers are not trained properly on how to teach reading and I think many are afraid to ask...How? So you have some kids not getting the proper instruction they need. Melissa
Melissa, shared reading is a perfect example and why I continue to use it daily. Great points!
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