Chapter 1

Sweet! I finally recieved my books and was able to read Chapter 1. I like how in the text, it really emphasizes the importance of having various types and genres of literature. This is a crucial part when teaching literature because as the book says, the good teachers install a love of learning and a love for literature. If more kids have a choice on what they want to read, I believe more students would want to read. I want to make sure my classroom is flourishing with wonderful literature. Comfortable spots and areas in the classroom is another vital element because it tells the children that learning is important and fun. If teachers just tell the children to pull out their textbook at their desks and start reading, half of the kids won't read anything. However, I think that if the students have a choice of which type of literature they want to read, as well as have a comfortable spot to go to (i.e. magic carpet, beanbag, pillow), they will have a great time reading. The students need to understand that reading is a part of everyday life. At a young age, most don't appreciate gaining knowledge. They don't realize that reading is knowledge. Students should be asked to read several times throughout the day, as well as jot down what they've read about. Getting students to want to read is obviously the greatest challenge, and the book agrees. This is where I believe that the passion and commitment of a teacher comes into action. The students will be able to tell how much the teacher enjoys reading by the way the teacher carries themselves about reading (spoken and body language). Teaching students to want to read is very important. There could be extreme disappointment later on in life if the child doesn't like to read. By the way, I do believe that all children can learn! "Teachers" that think otherwise are simply lazy, and should be called something else. I agree that as long as someone is alive and breathing, that individual is learning every day. No one person in this world knows it all. There are just people that know more than others. Most of the time, these are the people that enjoy reading almost anything. I enjoyed reading about the Ohio State University Model. This is simply everything a child needs to do to become a successful reader. In theory, I think it's a wonderful model. Once the teacher finds a great collection of books for their children, yet another challenge is incorporating them in with the lesson. This is where creativity needs to be at its best. Students need to ask difficult and open-ended questions. Teachers need to make sure that praise and feedback is given to the students. Positive feedback should outweigh the negative, but we all know this is easier said than done.