Reading is Fundemental

WE continue to focus on statements like inside out rather than outside in. However, do we really know what that means? It is inquiry! Students discover learning rather than get it delivered in a procedureal way. This is most important during the reading mini lesson. Yes, we want to be focused and explicit; but we need to make sure that we are getting in a readers way by asking them questions that do the thinking for them or insisting on "activities based in compliance." What does this mean? How does it look in a classroom?

Specificially, I observed a 2/3 classroom where the teacher was using a persuasive organizer. This was tied directly to the genre study. However, what was masterful was the use of the organizer in a way that support reading comprehension. The think aloud asked studys to determine how the author crafted a message that would convince you to be persuaded. The teacher used several examples without giving students the "one" to use. It allowed for controlled choice but specific instructional expectation. There was an amazing co-constructed chart that solidified the learning. It was directly connected to inquiry without asking kids to infer yet they did. Amazing example.

Ellin Keene states, A Larger View: "That coincides with what I've observed in American classrooms as well. The focus on strategy instruction has been a boost to comprehension in literature and across content areas and has caused us to reexamine our teaching and chidlrens' learning in a profound way.

However, she talked about larger changes that need to be in place:

1. Become more reflective about our own reading as teachers.

2. Created a common language between teachers and kids.

3. Increased the amount of time spent teaching comprehension.

4. Generated innovation in classrooms

5. Helped teachers raise expectation for all children

6. Made it acceptable to read slowly with depth and focus.

7. Focused our instruction pon tghe reader, not just the text.

8. Helps children to buildi a vast bank of content-area knowlege because they use strategies.

Wow what a list. Which of the eight speaks to you? Which have you make the most growth? Expand and inquire. Allow the reading workshop to teach the appreciation of reading and understanding.