I really found this chapter interesting because it explains the idea of Literacy but also what is expected of a reading teacher; what qualifies them as a good reading teacher. It also is outlining that it is major to understand that student's learn in a variety of ways, and it crucial to understand that in order to help the student become a successful reader/writer. I think it is important to not that the International Reading Association stated in 2000 that excellent reading teachers:
- Understand reading and writing development
- know a variety of ways to teach reading
- offer a variety of materials and texts for children to read
- use flexible grouping strategies
- are good reading "coaches"
Overall good reading teachers need to be able to motivate their students to want to learn and become better reads, encourage their students when it comes to independent learning, but also have the skills and strategies to help children that are struggling.
I think it is highly important to note that Literacy deals with reading, writing and communicating.
The RAND study group defines comprehension as the "process of simultaneously extracting and constructing meaning through interaction and involvement with written language." (p.12)
"Reading comprehension consists of three elements, the reader, the text, and the activity of the reading."(p.5)
How a reader understands what he or she is reading is dependent on how something is written. The vocabulary used in the text, what's being used in a text to represent meaning, and how information is being processed.
It is also key to understand that texts can be written texts like stories, textbooks, or could even be technology based like blogs, internet articles, etc.
Hi Meaghan! I think it is great that you want to hopefully become a reading specialist! We need more teachers that are willing to encourage students to become better readers and want them to succeed! I also found the chapter to be interesting about how it described on how to be a good teacher when it comes to helping children how to read. It is very important for current teachers and future teachers to understand that children learn in a variety of different ways! You brought up some great points on how important reading is and how important it is for students to understand what they are reading.
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