Reading Fluency

I've been thinking about how valuable it is to be able to read well.  During the busiest times of this semester, I had to take in a lot of information from various print sources (books, online articles, textbooks, power-point slide, etc.).  When I was really tired or worn out, I would read words, sentences, paragraphs over and over, not comprehending a single word.  But I had to learn what was there in front of me!  There was a test, a meeting, a discussion; some kind of assessment that would force me to recall this information.  I had to read it, but not only read it:  comprehend it.  

In order to prepare students for success, educators must make sure students can read and comprehend well.  In college, students will be required to ingest incredible amounts of text; if students can't keep up with the reading, they may fail their courses.  In life, I've also had to read complex texts in order to get very basic, semi-low paying jobs.  I had a few jobs in retail and food service, and I've had to read binders-full of "company policy" and "employee expectation" information.  I was expected to know those business's procedures, policies, and legally, what I was responsible for and entitled to (e.g. health care).  These were pretty basic, entry-level jobs that someone right out of high school might seek. Being able to read well is important; yes indeed.

I'm grateful that I can be a focused, quick reader when I need to be.  I've always had a love for reading.  But from now on, I will be conscious of students who aren't so inclined to spend their nights and weekends reading novels (or anything but text messages...).  I will be prepared to teach my students literacy so they will be prepared for the future.

Take care, and have a great summer!
Mrs. Mullen
 

Reflections

I honestly thought I would have posted on my blog more throughout the semester.  I used to journal almost daily when I was younger; up through college and after for a few years.  I thought writing and reflecting would come easily to me again, but I never really had the urge to get my thoughts down in writing like I used to.  I would like to keep a journal when I do my student teaching, for my own personal record, and continue through my first year of teaching, but perhaps a blog (public as it is) isn't for me.

I can imagine using a blog in the classroom more for students' use.  I think a blog would be a good forum for posting an assignment and then having students respond and discuss in the comments section.  Blogging can be good practice for improving students' literacy through writing.  It might be a cool experience for students to see their words in print online, too.  I think for me, though, putting my words online just makes me feel sort of exposed.  When the content is personal thoughts and reflections, I worry that at some point, a reader may take my words out of context.  Perhaps I'm worried about misleading or offending someone, although I'm not sure that what I've said has been anything particularly controversial, by any means.  I've enjoyed the experience of having a blog, though; it was a great learning adventure.

Take Care,
Mrs. Mullen