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How will I ever use this again?Lee Perry You might be thinking who would ask a question like “why do I need to learn how to read?” To a first grader who is lacking the basic reading skills, and is feeling the embarrassment/frustration of reading failure, this is a valid question. The very fact that one of my students have ask this question should raise a “warning flag”, and give me a greater incentive in making the reading process more enjoyable to learn. Zemelman, Daniels, and Hyde (1998), state that their belief about reading instruction based on Jerome Harste 1989 NCTE Guidelines report shows, “ children tend to use learning strategies in the manner in which the strategies have been taught. Teachers can demonstrate the usefulness of reading and writing by offering opportunities for children to engage in meaningful reading and writing during content-area instruction.” The challenge for me the teacher is how can I answer this student’s question, and encourage his value of reading? “Choice is an integral part of literate behavior.” (1998) Through established reading programs like guided reading, students can be given choices of reading materials geared at their reading levels. A student hearing the written word through teacher lead reading is a great start. Students should also be given plenty of opportunities to write about anything they wish! Students should be given many opportunities to interact with print. “From the first day of school, books, paper, and pens should be in the hands of children.” (1998) Reading centers are a great way to use innovative techniques and keep students interested in reading. Finally, there should be time enough for students to share what they have been reading and writing. Shared authors time after writing instills a sense of ownership and, publishing certain student’s works gives a student pride in their work. We as educators go through a daily balancing act in trying to catch the “lower skilled reader” up with the fluent reader. These are just a few suggestions on how to make learning a more interesting task, and when asked the question “why?” you can always say reading is fun! One thing is for sure, we can’t continue doing things we have done in the past, or more students will ask the question “why do I need to learn how to read?” Content Background: If you already have a “guided reading” curriculum in place, then you are probably already doing literacy/reading centers. If you do not, then you can still have some kind of center activities geared towards reading. The following are a few of the many center activities that I have found useful. Note: The internet is a great place to get ideas from literature, and other teaching professionals, and the best part most of it is free! State Standards: These are just a few of the first grade State standards that were taken off the Georgia first grade QCC standards, and may be different for your grade level. Standard: Increases vocabulary to reflect a growing range of interest and knowledge. Standard: Distinguishes between letter/word, word/sentence, left/right, and beginning/ending of words and sentences. Standard: Classifies and categorizes words into sets and groups with common characteristics. Standard: Applies phonetic strategies to read by. These are some of the reading/literacy centers that I have found to keep the student’s interest and still build reading skills. Computers: Yes, I said computers! It can be a great independent center if you have enough and they are set up right. Even if you have nothing but a good word processing program, a computer can be an asset. Students can type before they write, and they love it! Writing: A variety of ideas and materials can be used in this center. · Puzzles – Any type words can be used, but I like to use my spelling words! Crossword puzzles are the best, and can be made easily online for free! · Writing words with different types of writing instruments such as a pencil, marker, pen, crayon, etc… · Writing journals are also popular, and you can be very creative with them. · Write a never-ending story. Start the story and let the students add to it throughout the year. Creation Stations: My students love to make their own books, and this is a great center for that purpose. There are many types of books that can be made, some of my favorites are: · Pop up books – Students write, draw, and paste objects to make the book. · Tie together books – These simple books are made by looping and tying them off with yarn. · Drawing a picture then writing a sentence about the picture. Reading: If you are doing “guided reading” then this is the time you teach your mini lessons, introduce new leveled reading materials, and assess your students. If you don’t have a “guided reading” program, then you can still come up with innovative ways to accomplish the same goals!
Assessment: If you are doing “guided reading” then your assessment will be taken care of through your running records. You can also time the words read per-minute, and ask comprehension questions at the end of the book. Zemelman, S., Daniels, H., & Hyde, A. (1998). Best practice: New standards for teaching and learning in America’s schools. 2nd ed. New Hampshire: Heinemann. Lee Perry is in his seventh year of teaching for the Bartow County School system where he teaches first grade. Lee and his wife (who is also a teacher ) currently reside in Cartersville, Georgia.
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