September 9th Blog Post

Through this weeks reading I have gained a better understanding of what is truly important when it comes to reading. When I think back to my elementary school days, I can remember sitting on my own colored "carpet square" while my teacher read aloud to the class. Studies mentioned in this weeks reading pointed out some interesting (and definitely helpful for future reference) things that make a classroom successful. The recurring action of teachers reading aloud to their students was seen in each effective classroom. The teacher's reading had a large affect of the students. I can remember the way my teachers used to read to me and the way that they talked and held the book so that we could see the pictures. They knew how to be effective with their reading just as these teachers from the reading. You have to know how to spark the children's interests and how to keep them engaged while you are reading, which can sometimes be tough especially if you are working with younger students. Various forms of literature are necessary if these effective, successful classrooms. Whether that be newspaper articles, magazines, picture books, chapter books, or series...the variety helps to keep students interested and engaged. They are getting to see an assortment of literature, therefore they are not getting bored. The question I want to end with this week is how do you assure that each of you students is benefiting from taking time to read aloud to your class? Every student doesn't listen the same, or get involved to the same extent, so I just wonder how to make sure that each and every one of the students are getting something out of this certain activity.

Below is a video that I found very interesting. I enjoy how this teacher is letting the students interact with one another using "thinking partners" so that everyone is engaged and so that everyone is on the same page with the particular book that she is reading to them. I highly suggest you watch this. It is very helpful, and great for future reference. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoeVkf3s7E&list=PL8D0AACAAD5AFF839