One of my favorite things about teaching first grade (other than the really funny things they do/say) is teaching kids how to read. It isn't the easiest part of my job but it is one of the most rewarding. Very few things are more exciting than watching kids learn how to "break the code." This isn't always easy. Reading is not a simple process. Kids need to learn to sound out words (after learning the names and sounds of letters), recognize words that don't follow regular spelling patterns and read fast enough for text to make sense. However, being able to read the text doesn't mean that a student will be able to comprehend the text. Kids also need to learn that words have meaning. For me this is one of the most difficult things to teach about reading.
There is a TV show I love. Word World on PBS. The characters in this show build words. As soon as they put the letters together for the word they are building the words becomes the thing that it is. I think this show is genius. I would watch it everyday if I could. And listening to the kids sing along? Awesome.
I've been trying to teach people at work how to do certain processes and I've decided I'm a terrible teacher because they always just stare back at me like they have no idea what I told them. I'm glad you like to teach kids to read. I think it would be a really hard thinhg to teach.
ReplyDeleteOk- I was super worried at first, but the children singing really wasn't that bad.
ReplyDeleteSteph- I hear you loud and clear. I think I should try to incorporate this method at work. I think I already have the little cheer/dance down.
Thank you. Finally, I know what that show was playing on the TV at Gymboree
ReplyDeleteWould you believe this is one of Joshy's favorite shows. He is two but as soon as it comes on he jumps up and dances around yelling "wood world!". Seriously if you could see him you would love the show even more. I am hoping it means he will be a reader!
ReplyDeleteWord World sounds kinda like Cyberchase... except it teaches reading instead of math.
ReplyDeleteGenius.
MMM, I want some pie! I wonder if when people look at me they see that I am made out of the letters S-c-o-t-t. It sure would make it a lot easier for people to remember my name.
ReplyDeleteOh Kristi maybe you can come teach Ethan, he gets so frustrated and then neither of us can do anything with him.... He is in Kindergarten. I added you to my blogger friends..Yippeee...
ReplyDeleteOk...Word World is funny...I get it now!
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