EDRG 3321 TTR CH. 3

Understanding What We Read:I completely agree with the fact that there has to be comprehension involved with reading. The student needs to be able to understand what they are reading or else it's just a robotic act. I also agree with the fact that the teacher needs to be the facilitator for the student. We need to provide our students with options and it's our job to know how each student learns so we can help them succeed. Not every student is the same. Every student is coming from different home lives and different ethnic backgrounds. It's going to be important as teachers to make that connection. We need to help the children relate on their level. I think it's also important to have high expectations for our students and let them know that we believe in them. Through books and vocabulary we can enhance and broaden their horizons, help them think outside the box. Building comprehension is key. I like the idea of "bridging the gap" either through discussion, lessons, or a book walk. I think the biggest challange is to help the students' brains not to be lazy. When I was a child growing up in middle and high school, I was good at "playing school" I did what I had to do to get by and that was it. I didn't want to do or think more than I had to. I was good at it but now as an adult in my 30's I'm trying to retrain my brain to actually learn and it's difficult sometimes. Retelling a story is a great thing. I know it helps me learn better when I can discuss outloud what I have just read. I'm big on discussions it helps me so I know my students would benefit from it as well.