Monday, February 28, 2011
Supporting struggling adolescent readers-Podcast
I found this podcast to be the most intriguing and more relatable topic. Although, this podcast was geared towards adolescent readers, I found the information discussed to be relatable to students of a younger age group. I was able to apply this podcast to my own life because I work in an after-school program that consists of many struggling readers. As I help them with their homework or read with them, when they are completing their reading logs, I notice the significant amount of struggle these children face when reading. My place of work contains a small library for the children to read and borrow books to read in their spare time. Once the student is done their homework, before I allow them to engage in the other activities my job offers, I make them choose a book of their choice from the library and sit and read with them the book of their choice. I notice many of them choose books that are below their reading level, because they have the confidence needed when reading the book. They feel they know the words, the context and are able to comprehend what they are reading. I also noticed the difference in excitement when they have to read a book that is not of their liking and a book that is of their liking. They have a huge sense of eagerness and excitement when they get to pick a book that sparks their interest. What I learned most from this podcast is the importance of boosting a child's confidence when they are reading. This makes the child more willing to read and gives the child a great sense of pride when they can read and comprehend what they are reading. I have seen this excitement first-hand and it is a wonderful thing to witness.
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I have witnessed "forced" reading too. Its even hard to get a student to even sit straight through a book they deem boring! I feel that teachers enforce too much hard work on students. When students feel pressure, they stop all together. We need to allow them to build themselves up a bit, Let them read that picture book but then gently motivate the student to challenge themselves. we as teachers have to remember that loving to read wont happen over night. But I enjoyed your response. I like how you were able to relate the podcast to your own life. It makes me feel that whats in a textbook is whats really out there and not just something we have to memorize or "try" to relate to. >.<
ReplyDeleteI think we have all seen to some extent students reading materials they are not interested in or may just not want to read. Students who feel forced to read are most likely not going to retain as much information from the book and it will not be as beneficial to them. I agree with what you said that when you allos studnets to pick their own book of choice they choose something below their reading level, this is where teachers must step in and challenge the students to read at a higher level and give them the confidence to do so. By giving them a book on a topic that interests them it may be helpful if the reading level is a bit higher. Your response was great and I think its really good that your getting such good first hand experience with readers and are able to relate this podcast to your own experiences.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of the biggest issues that we will come across as teachers. As years go on, more and more students are having a hard time with reading and as you said it is crucial for them to build confidence in this area.
ReplyDeleteIt is essential to get students to feel confident when they are reading or they will not step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. I feel that another thing that needs to be reinforced for these children is that they need to realize they are going to make mistakes and that is what they are supposed to do to learn. Having a book that they can relate to or a topic that they enjoy is another way to keep them motivated and interested.
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