Cinco

This week's class, and text reading, focused on numerous aspects of reading, including the five stages of the reading process (through shared reading).  These stages, in order, consist of pre-reading, reading, responding, exploring, and applying.  These strategies are something I try to use when I teach, on a daily basis, because they are a vital process for children when learning to read.

Pre-reading is important because it gets the students thinking about what they already know about the text, by looking at the title and taking picture walks.  When students can activate prior knowledge, I think it is extremely important to their reading, because their comprehension will most likely be greater.  As a teacher of several ESL (english as a second language) students, and others with IEPs (individualized education plan), during reading I make sure to go slowly and I am very articulate. I point out important information to make sure those words/ideas really stick in their heads.  Afterward, I make sure to have a discussion about the text and answer questions that students have (start of responding stage).  This leads into their follow up.  On most days, the students will complete a writing and/or drawing piece that is a response to the text we went over. The stage of exploring is something I need to work on more as a teacher.  I often follow plans from the curriculum, and sometimes it does not have this stage as an integral part (if at all).  The exploring stage includes adding new words to the word wall from the text, teaching mini lessons in small group, talking more about the author/illustrator, etc.  I believe that the stage of applying can be almost combined with the stage of responding; at least in my classroom.  When my students are responding to the text, they are also applying what they learned in the follow up.  If they do not complete it correctly, I know that they did not understand, and need to be re-taught the lesson of that day (or perhaps need to re-read the text).

The five stages of reading are essential to a student's education.  Even though I need to improve on the fourth stage of exploring, I try my best to use these stages correctly and constantly!  One way I think I can improve on this stage is by adding things to centers where my students can further explore the text we just looked at.  Do you have any ideas of how I can improve on this stage? Please let me know . . . your feedback is much appreciated!!!