As I was reading both the text book and the article readings tonight, I noticed a theme uniting the two readings together; the importance that early literacy practices have on young children. The textbook talks about how children are aware that reading and writing takes place in their home. Allington and Cunningham write that the more the children are around reading and writing in their household, the more likely they are going to want to read and write by themselves. Chapter 3 also states how it is important to provide many opportunities for young children to read throughout the day. They should also be provided with many different types of print materials to "read" like, magazines, books, cereal boxes, pamphlets, etc. Young children should also be provided many different types of writing materials such as; pencils, pen, markers, crayons or colored pencils. They should also be encouraged to write different types of messages. For example, they should be encouraged to write letters, grocery lists, thank you notes, etc.
In the article about the Jones', the unifying theme was also the importance of early literacy concepts. KiKi was surrounded with a print rich environment with wonderful role models who supported her growth as both a reader and a writer. She was provided the opportunity to write letters to her mother, and lived with women who loved to read classic novels as a pass time. She as well as her relatives were all read to when they were young. KiKi is very lucky to have early childhood educators who were familiar with teaching practices helping her along her journey. Not every child will have this opportunity. How do you influence children to read and write who do not have print rich environments? How do you encourage families to read with their children and make reading something fun for the family to do together?
I think it's good that you mentioned that not everyone comes from strong reading environments. I think as teachers all we can do is try to make reading as relevant and fun as it can be as soon as possible for these children.
ReplyDeleteThe readings mention some great suggestions of materials and activities to use with young child to increase and encourage literacy skills. I agree that we as future teachers will have to show children how fun reading can be, but we can also suggest to families fun and useful ways to encourage reading and writing in the home.
ReplyDeleteAs a after school tutor, I have to influence children to read in print lacking environments. It is like pulling teeth! One exercise I have found fun and helpful is to let the student make up a story, write it down for him/her, and let them take it home to be their source of print for that week. Even though this particular student cannot read, he knows the story well because he wrote it, and hopefully wills start to associate the words with the ones he says when he tells the story. Also, I encourage reading at the grocery store or Target. There are so many signs and different products to read at a large store. Reminding children that words are everywhere will help them want to get on board.
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