I have a confession. I have been the teacher that simply hid behind the following empty statements; "These kids can't read." and "These students are simply really good readers". While both statements were true, by themselves they hold little value.
Students that can't read, have specific areas that they struggle with. They have certain actions that don't come naturally. It is up to the teacher to decipher those areas of weakness and create plans to help the student overcome those challenges. I don't know how to fix, "I can't read" but I can help a student that I see struggling with larger words or simple frequency words.
On the flip side, those students that have no issue reading anything they pick up, also have specific things that they do to be successful with reading. Most of these are unseen and typically unrealized by both the teacher and the reader. Being able to share those specific ways that make the successful readers successful, can give the struggling reader hope of learning to do those same things. I have never thought to do this until reading about What Good Readers Do in Kylene Beers' book When Kids Can't Read. I honestly never put much thought into the successful readers, they were simply good readers. End of story. I am so thankful for this enlightenment. It is possible to teach those successful reading strategies that go beyond simple word decoding and recognition. It is no longer the Cans and the Cannots. It is deeper. It is more specific.
I couldn't agree more. I certainly do not want to be that Math teacher that says, "Why do you think I'm a Math teacher?". I have heard from my teachers in the past. However, that's no excuse when you are a mentor/leader in the eyes of your students. I do not believe that it will diminish authority, but it will tarnish the image of where some students hold you in their minds with such an answer.
ReplyDeleteI think the student has surpassed the teacher. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteI don't think so, but thank you for your kind words. I really enjoy blogging. I haven't done it in a while so it is fun to be writing again.
DeleteKaylene Beers' book When Kids Can't Read is a very good book. When I read the section What Good Readers Do, I just shook my head, in the up and down fashion. I remember a fifth grade class that I substituted and we continued with a chapter book that they have been reading. I asked if anyone would like to read aloud and several hands appeared. The first young man was the bold points from our textbook. The second was a struggling reader but I allowed her to continue for the three paragraphs, then the next. I was amazed at the different levels of reading abilities, but at the same time, how they would take their time to make sure they did the best they could without feeling that they were struggling readers. It is unfortunate that I have not been able to hear high school level students read aloud lately.
ReplyDeleteI too never thought about what good readers did. I was a good reader as a child and never thought about what I did to become that way. I just thought it was natural. Knowing what good readers can do is invaluable to teachers who need to teacher not-so-good readers how to become good readers.
ReplyDelete-Darrien
I had never really thought about what good readers did, just like Darrien, until I took Teaching Reading in the Content Area, last year. It really opened my eyes to the fact that some students struggle and it is the job of the teacher to help them ready better, by incorporating reading strategies into their instruction.
ReplyDelete