The main idea of this weeks readings is that emergent reading is a very important step in the reading process. I agree with the authors that even before children begin to read words and sentences in books and magazines, it is important to help them see themselves as readers. They all may be at different stages in the reading process, but it is our job as teachers to encourage the growth and future reading development. We have to learn where our students are in the reading process and foster their continued interest in increasing their reading skills. We also need to learn how much "push" is appropriate in getting them to advance their reading skills. If they are not ready to move on to new skills, pushing them too hard will do more hard than good. My questions for you all are how do you feel about the beginning reading stage? and what are some things you could use in your classroom to encourage interest and enjoyment of reading?
I feel a great example of properly pushing children was where the teacher asked the children if they could read, and intially they did not raise their hands. Once she showed them environmental words they could read, they shouted them out and all raised their hands when she asked again. That must have been a very empowering experience for those children.
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