A Message to Teachers: Part II

Teachers are by far some of my favorite people!  I love their creativity! As previously mentioned, I believe that all teachers are literacy teachers and I say this fully aware that this is a huge charge.  To effectively reach and teach all students, creative teachers must:

• Teach through a culturally responsive approach
• Provide a reading and writing rich environment; and
• Hold all students to high expectations

Please see Part I of this series for insight on culturally responsive teaching.  In this post, I want to examine the power of providing a reading and writing rich environment or what's commonly known as a print rich environment.  Ask.com states that "a print rich environment is an environment whereby both reading and writing are used for a wide variety of day to day purposes."  This means that reading and writing are an authentic part of the classroom setting and students are exposed to both, giving them many opportunities to read and write.

These opportunities are vital to the acquisition of early literacy skills.  Research shows that effective teachers believe that a print-rich environment is necessary for children to learn literacy.  According to Instructional Lead Teacher, Cassondra Heilig, "A reading and writing rich environment is crucial for student learning."  These environments are created with text materials such as books, student work, anchor charts, word walls, maps, reading, writing and listening centers, school information posters and even classroom rules.

A supportive, inviting and attractive classroom environment is a must for motivating and involving students in reading.  There is a clear relationship between classroom environments and literacy-related behaviors and learning.  In classrooms that are too sterile - or worse - overly cluttered and unorganized, students tend to take on the qualities of their setting.  They are less likely to take care of their learning materials and more likely to feel justified in doing so.

In contrast, a supportive, print rich environment aids in learning.  Heilig adds that, "A reading rich environment creates a love for reading in children. While in early elementary, children learn to read. They are able to take those same reading skills and use them to read and learn once they are older." 

Clearly, the learning environment has a powerful impact on student learning! With that said, the entire classroom should encourage reading, writing and talking which will support children's literacy development. Creative teachers are doing this and I thank them for their dedication to student literacy.  Happy Reading!

 

A Student's Perspective: Part I

For years there has been a literacy gap in the U.S. between males and females.  Based on my previous blog entries, I'm sure it's no surprise that the gap is even wider for African American boys than other sub-groups.  Research on this issue identifies quite a few possible reasons for this gap to include:

• Inadequate early literacy experiences
• Inattention to their learning styles
• Racism and stereotyping in schools
• Lack of male role models

I have witnessed each of the above issues in various educational settings. Yet, I have also seen many young black male students thrive and soar to great heights!  I decided to ask one of my former students about his experiences with reading.  Justin is currently a freshmen at Appalachian State University.  While in high school, he was an elite athlete but also cared deeply about his grades and his future.

Justin knows that reading matters.  "Reading is very important.  Pretty much everything in life has to do with reading," he stated.  He is exactly right.  Reading is essential to a complete life.  Without it, students and adults alike are destined to struggle in our ever evolving global society.

Schools have a responsibility to all students; but Justin knows that his greatest influence and support came from home.  When asked, Justin shared that, "Not my teachers so much but my mom had a huge influence on me with reading.  She would always make me read an hour a day."  Great job mom!

Without a doubt, parents are in the best position to ensure the success of their children.  Providing a place for reading and then holding kids accountable as Justin's mom did are sure ways to arm our young men with tools for success.  It's unfortunate that this does not always happen.

The literacy gap is real.  But why?  Why do so many of our young men underperform?  Justin believes "They perform so low because some of them don't treat school as a priority anymore.  They don't care about school."  Sadly, many black male students feel this way as early as 4th or 5th grade. 
I appreciate Justin's input and I am so very proud of him for setting such an excellent example. Great things lie ahead for him!

I'm a firm believer that each one should teach one.  The literacy gap is daunting but each one of us can have an impact. If you are reading this, you can make a difference!  Will you?  Think about it and act on it!  Until next time...Happy Reading!

Knowledge is Power!

Recently, as I reviewed student assessment data, I had the glaring reminder that so many of our young people struggle with reading and processing informational text.  By effectively reading informational text, students can gain a tremendous amount of knowledge about the world in which we live.  That knowledge is power but first we must READ!

Informational text is a subset of nonfiction meant to inform the reader.  Although nonfiction and informational text are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference.  The main purpose of informational text is to convey information about the natural or social world.  Generally, it is written by someone who demonstrates knowledge on the given topic.  It often consists of technical language and linguistic features that causes it to be more difficult than other texts for many of our students.

Being able to read informational text effectively is a fundamental quality of successful readers.  To do so, some students need additional support.  This support can come in the form of:

• Using graphic organizers to engage student thinking and to assist them in processing the structure of informational text.
• Supplement reading with writing.  When student learn to write informational text, they increase their familiarity and confidence in delving into reading this other challenging type of text.
• Do it daily.  Use elements of informational text as a bell ringer or an exit slip.  These quick formative assessments will strengthen students ability to work through longer, more complex readings.
• Explicitly teach comprehension strategies.  This should be done in every classroom, not just English, Language Arts, Literature, etc. All teachers are literacy teachers!

Speaking of informational text, let me introduce my April book.  This month I am reading How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You: Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies by Bonnie M. Davis.  I want to determine if it will be included in my list of book recommendations for secondary school teachers.  If you have read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a mentor or a friend, please continue to support the young people in your life.  Encourage them to read because knowledge is power.  Happy Reading!

No Time to Read?

Say it isn't so?!  Aside from being fun, reading is so important for a plethora of reasons. Yet, I too am guilty of not having time to read.  In life, we make time for what matters most to us; because, let's face it, we are all busy.  Yet we all have 24 hours in each and every day to use how we choose.  So here are a few tips to get back on track if you have fallen by the wayside!

1.  Set a routine.  Most of us are creatures of habit.  By setting aside a specific time of the day to read, you are much more likely to follow through consistently.  Being spontaneous is a great trait but it often makes attaining a goal that requires time difficult.

2.  Be realistic in your reading goal.  Make an honest assessment of your time and your current priorities.  If you know that you have evening activities more than 3-4 days per week, then perhaps your reading time should be in the mornings or at some other point in the day.  By being realistic on the offset, you will improve your chances of success.

3.  Choose books that you WANT to read!  This is the most important strategy of all.  I relish the feeling of rushing to pick up that book, anxious to see what happens next.  During the month of March, I made the mistake of choosing a book that did not engage my interest. I tried to force it, but it just did not fit how I wanted to spend my time.  When this happens, unless it is required reading, give yourself permission to move on. 

Time is our most precious commodity!  Use it wisely.  Later this week, I will introduce my April selection.  Until then, Happy Reading!