In chapter one of Catching Readers Before They Fall, Pat Johnson and Katie Keier, "say that when teachers clarify their beliefs we teach with intention and purpose." I too believe that our beliefs give us purpose. When we "know why we do what we do in our classrooms" we will set goals that have meaning and purpose. Reading is a process and we must carefully reflect on our own reading process and our beliefs about how children learn to read in order to identify and help those who are struggling readers. We must catch them early.
In the section Starting From What We Know and Believe, they share many of their personal beliefs. One of these beliefs is that " learning about reading process is done best by observing children while they read, by talking with colleagues, and by reflecting on our own process (page 17). Another is "observation and assessment should drive our instruction, as we build on students' known skills and strategies in order to help them integrate new learning" (page 18). These are two beliefs that I hope to be able to build on. Through "Kidwatching" I hope to be able to gain insight that will help me better understand my students and become more aware of strategies they are using to read and more so strategies that they are not using.
In the section A Few Dos and Don'ts for Reading This Book, Johnson and Keier share the importance of making real world connections with the examples they share. As I look at my 3rd and 4th grade classes, I hope to be able to make such connections. I also hope that through reading this book that I can share some of the knowledge I gain with colleagues to help them have a better understanding of reading process and teaching reading. Together, I hope that we can begin to help our struggling readers overcome their struggles. We have got to get to a place that it's more than just saying "he/she is below grade level in reading" or "he/she is struggling with comprehension." We must examine our beliefs and revise our theories so that we teach with intention and purpose, and that we know why we do what we do.
Hi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you going back in and adding to your first blog post to complete it. I love the opening of Johnson and Keier's text and how they emphasize the importance of knowing our beliefs so we can teach with purpose and intention. Melissa and I believe the constant reflection and reevaluation of our beliefs is instrumental to our instruction and our growth as reading teachers which is one of the reasons behind the literacy narrative assignment. You shared how the observation or "kidwatching" of students as well as the cycle of assessment and instruction are two beliefs you want to build on. I hope this class supports you with these goals! Thanks!