5.10 Demonstrate research-based instructional practices for developing students' ability to read critically.
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I Read, You Read, We ALL Read....Critically! The ability to read critically is imperative for students to advance in education. It is not simply enough to sound out phonemes, blend together words, and string together sentences. They must understand what they are reading and be able to retain it. Educators must find engaging strategies to motivate their students and increase their ability to read critically.
Like in so many classrooms, our students are grouped by ability for a few parts of the day. One of those time periods is during English Language Arts center rotations. We do not have a traditional "teacher" center, but instead, I pull students who are struggling the most with the skill of the week (i.e. main idea, cause and effect, compare and contrast, etc.) Within these centers, I use different strategies and materials to ensure that the students are getting the most out of our time together. With my struggling readers, we read chorally so I can assist them with pronunciation and pacing. Additionally, I pick three leveled passages on the same topic. This ensures that my struggling readers are challenged but not overwhelmed or defeated. With my on and above grade level students, I give them the option of reading in pairs or alone. Most of the time they choose to read aloud to the group on their own. We highlight text evidence, answer critical thinking questions, and make connections to their own experiences and lives. Reading and thinking critically could not be more important for our students. While my students are reading, I like to question them, ask them for predictions, and get them to prove their answers. I make them really think about what they are reading. If they provide me with an answer (even if it's correct), I challenge them to show me where they found it. I love working in small groups with my students. It helps me to really discern who is grasping the concept and who still needs more help. I will work tirelessly in my future classroom to help develop my students into critical and thoughtful readers. |