Rachel:
I basically said that since my BA is in Psychology, it is great to see the theories that I've already learned used in a different context. I also respect Piaget and his cognitive development theory and can see how that relates to the way a child learns to read. Overall, the book has made me aware of theories that I have subconsiously used already as a teacher and now that I am aware of those I can use that to improve my teaching.
Pat:
Pat has found that it is society and a person's environment that determines how well a child will read and that child's motivation to read. Pat used examples from her own teaching and said that a child whose father told him that he can be a construction worker too has hindered that child's reading progress. Pat also mentioned that the child is also not motivated to read either. Pat is making the connection between all the theories and examples of these theories in her own experiences.
Laurel:
I am going to post an excerpt from her blog. She says it best:
Many of the concepts put forward in the theories that, in my opinion, should continue to influence today’s teachers include: Reading is a complex behavior comprising of several skill components therefore the subskills approach may be useful; Children learn through play and activity that involve direct experiences and social interaction with peers; Understanding the thought process at the different stages of the students’ development facilitate the creation of developmentally appropriate learning activities; A rich literacy classroom environment will stimulate students and promote learning; The home play a unique role in the development of literacy therefore the home and school should work in together.
Allison:
Allison went over different theories. One that is to be noted is the Maturation Theory. Allison thought it was strange to wait until a child is 6 years old to teach them to read. I agree with her. Children can being to read pictures as young as 15 months. I will post an excerpt from her blog:
The theory of Literacy Development focuses on parents being very important in the child's learning to read. I do think that when parents are involved with their children and read to them and show them that they read it helps a child appreciate reading a little more.
Overall, Allison is understanding the theories. Some she needs to re-read (don't we all!) but is relating them to her own teaching.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Very interesting points, all of you! Don't worry that it takes a while for these theories to sink in -- it's only after thinking them through, then working with kids even more, and then reflecting again on what you've learned that I think you can really make them your own.
I thought the point about the father who told his son he could be a construction worker, and that having an impact on the reading of the child, was particularly interesting. Of course, construction workers need to know how to read too, and well -- but expectations combined with practices can have a definite effect on the reading of children.
well done!
Post a Comment