Synthesis Post #2
As a person who struggled to read as a child, I know how embarrassing and discouraging it can be to stumble over your words when asked to read aloud to the class. Learning to read should not be primarily done in an English Language Arts class; this is an old idea that needs to be left in the past. The process of reading can be intricate and strategic, therefore we need all hands on deck when teaching reading strategies to students. Reading is done in all area subjects; it is our responsibility as educators to help those who struggle. in order for them to be confident and successful in our class. So, how can we help struggling readers? Part of the issue when it comes to struggling readers is they feel as if they have already failed so why try and get better. This is what we call a "fixed" mindset or someone who does not believe that they can get better. It is our responsibility as their teacher to change this mindset by letting them know it is okay to struggle, but also let them know how you are going to help them improve, as well as insuring them that they WILL improve. In chapter 11 of "Subject Matter", the authors present an idea on how to turn discouraged students around which is to "make supportive connections with students, and the individuality of these is what makes the message powerful" (p.282, SM). The message to get across here would be that they are not alone in their struggle. Overcoming their own insecurities is step one to learning to be a better reader. Once the confidence is established you then can distribute the many reading strategies there are, to help better comprehension.
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I do agree with you that reading should not only be ELA, but it should be in all subjects because MATH, Science, and History all contain reading components in them, which means you have to read to understand what you are doing in class. I also believe that in chapter 11 page 280-287, you will find ways to get students interested in reading as well help them become better readers. All great teachers who describe success with struggling readers focus on the developing of students’ trust (P.280,SM). This is a method I wish I had while I was in school.
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Hi Shelby! I agree with you that reading is not just for English classes. Reading is part of all subject areas, and I think that teachers need to be well informed about reading strategies since there are many instances in which students do not understand the material simply because they cannot comprehend the reading for the subject. For example, when learning about the different organelles in a cell, the student may not be able to understand the concept because the reading material is too difficult. Therefore, knowing some of the reading strategies mentioned in the chapter would assist the instructor in getting the student to the right spot. I also like how to pointed out that confidence needs to be built and trust needs to be established before the teacher implements the reading strategies. I agree with you that the student needs to feel comfortable before the teacher tries to help with reading comprehension. This way the student will be better at conveying what he/she is struggling with to the teacher.
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