Hello everyone! I have spent the last few days since class reflecting on all that was discussed in class and found myself thinking lots about the task analysis that Barb showed us.
As I stated in an earlier blog, I know reading is extremely important and was aware how hard the brain worked when reading...but did not actually sit and think deeply about this critical, complex process until Barb broke it down into the intricate steps with her task analysis assignment. As a facilitator, I spend lots of time working with students, many of which I assist with improving their literacy skills.
I thought about myself as a reader and how this important skill comes easily to me...and then I thought about those who struggle with reading....and my heart sank thinking about how challenging this concept of reading must be for them. It is definitely their hard work and determination that inspires me to work just as hard as they do to ensure I give them all the support, tools, skills and strategies needed to become a reader. So that they can experience the love of reading like others do....
Because of my time spent thinking about my students; both past and present, my thoughts drifted to one of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors...Patricia Polacco. Thank you, Mr. Falker is a wonderful, heartfelt story about a little girl who is a struggling reader and a devoted teacher that spends hours teaching her that letters have sounds and when put together...these letters make words...and these words make sentences that convey meaning. It is truly a fantastic read aloud with a great message.
FYI....I can't say that I have ever read this book with my students without crying...since each and every year in my teaching career I have had one or more students that struggled with reading and I knew that they felt like the character in the book at some point in time. With this read aloud, I wanted to let my students know that they were not alone...despite feeling that way.
In addition, I found this tear-jerking youtube video about a struggling reader. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I did neat a Kleenex by the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83DO0POacCE
Take care everyone!
Angela,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your contribution to the acknowledgement of struggling readers. It reminds all of us not to allow a child's talents to go unnoticed because their weakness gets in the way...bring on the AT.
Michelle
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you for the book recommendation. I will seek it out. I have a few other of her books, but not that one. Maybe we need to start a new blog for sharing our favourite read alouds. Continue doing the wonderful work you do. It will change the world!
Thanks for Sharing Angela! excellent. Reading is a HUGE process and...just wait til we get to writing!
ReplyDeleteHi Angela, I agree with you about how reading affects the brain and having found reading to be an easy process for me i can only imagine the frustrations our students who find it a challenge face. Thanks for sharing the book and video.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great book recommendation! I have those special places in my heart for my students who struggle and are able to have those wonderful light bulb moments. It makes teaching so worthwhile when a student comes to you and says, "Mrs W, let me show you what I can do!"
It was important for barb to take us out of our automatic zone when it comes to reading and bring it back into perspective, and reading is an extremely complex task. Thanks!
Donalda