Sunday, September 12, 2010
Chapter 2: Creating Independent Readers
Chapter two in "When Kids Can't Read" is all about how to help dependent readers become independent. The first think this chapter does is explain what a dependent reader is. I found this very imformative and I particularly liked it because it explained to me the behaviors of a dependent reader and an independent reader. Throughout the chapter Ms. Beers goes through scenarios with students she has taught and explains how to help them before independent readers. I really liked that. It gave me an example and an explaination right after the example. The chapter starts off with a story that really explains how one phrase can mean so much to one person but nothing to another person. I really learned that I have to listen and keep asking questions of students so that I can figure out exactly what they want help with. I really liked all the visuals in this chapter as well. The first visual is an early model about how Ms. Beers thought it works with struggling readers. I found that to be really helpful in understanding what she was doing wrong as a teacher. I really found this chapter helpful for me, and I like how it is structured.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree! I had heard the terms "dependent" and independent" readers before, but was never really certain what that meant, and as a future educator, it is really important that I do. But I also liked how you said she identified what was wrong with her old teaching styles, because I think that would be hard to admit, let alone have it in a text book. She has really learned from her mistakes and probably is saving us a lot of trouble, as future or current educators.
ReplyDeleteI also agree. I posted on my blog that I thought the information about dependent vs. independent readers was very helpful. I thought it was a great idea to keep notes on your past teaching methods so you can better them throughout your teaching career. I think her description of her first year sounds a lot like how most first years go. The teacher makes mistakes that can easily be fixed with experience and a better understanding of how different students learn.
ReplyDelete