Everyone is a Reader!

I enjoyed the readings for this week SO much. I loved the second article I read, "Letting Go of Letter of the Week." The determination of the teachers and the students was very uplifting. For so long phonics has been the major emphasis in learning to read. I feel that phonics is an important part of learning to read, but it should not be valued more than making reading meaningful to students. Having the alphabet and the students' pictures under the first letter of their name makes the classroom a student-centered environment. Students who come from diverse backgrounds where literacy isn't the main focus need to feel connected to their classroom especially. Many children may be intimidated by coming to a school where their native language isn't spoken. Being able to use their friends' names as references to the letters and sounds of the English alphabet can make the language more meaningful. It was really touching when the kindergarten girl stated "We are already writers." I enjoyed when the teacher asked the kindergarteners to raise their hands if they could read ,after she initially asked them,Also, giving the students chances to write to the caefteria ladies, and asking the principal questions is a very inquiry centered environment for the students. Growing up I remember having Word of the Week and being drilled on phonics. It wasn't until high school was creative writing promoted where I grew up. Letting go of the phonics-first/skill-and-drill approach seems to be one of the best ways to getting our students to have a positive relationship with reading and writing.