Prologue & Chapters 1 - 3

Week 1 - Chapman

Week 1 - Chapman

by Wendy Chapman -
Number of replies: 3

How do we impress upon all students that reading at any age takes practice and work?

-I think that it is important to show children that, even as adults, we are always learning. Our brain is like every other muscle in that if we don't use it, we lose it. We have to read, reread, practice, and learn to grow at any age. 

What stood out to you in these chapters? 

-I want to reset the way I speak about reading to children and families alike. In the past, I have always focused on what they need to work on. Basically, I spoke about their weaknesses. In chapter 3, it spoke on how the conversations about George would focus on what he can do, then analyze the reading behavior list and create an instructional plan. The instructional assessment chart is also fantastic!! I would like to make a copy and laminate it to keep in my binder for quick reference.

What skills are important to read?

Students need to be able to decode words, have phonological and phonemic awareness, strong phonics, read fluently, have an ever growing vocabulary, and comprehension.


In reply to Wendy Chapman

Re: Week 1 - Chapman

by Denelle Sauve -
Hi Wendy! I agree that sharing our reading journey as adults can be a powerful way to motivate our students to practice and work towards their reading goals. I also think it's important to point out what students ARE doing right when reading. Those little successes go a long way! :)
In reply to Wendy Chapman

Re: Week 1 - Chapman

by Errolynn Bero -
Hi Wendy! I also liked the instructional assessment chart. I think it would be a great reference tool and I was thinking along the same lines. :)
In reply to Wendy Chapman

Re: Week 1 - Chapman

by Brandi Harris -

Wendy- you hit on so many points that I agree with!  The idea of showing kids that even as adults we are still learning and working at being good readers.  When I was "growing up" as an educator I always heard - K-2 learns to read and 3-5 reads to learn, now with the Science of Reading, we know this isn't a true statement.  No matter what age and grade we are always learning to read!    I appreciate the mind shift of focusing on the positives - what can he/she do.  This approach can move mountains for struggling children and their parents.