New-To-Me Terms from Ch. 1-3
There are a few vocabulary words and ideas that were new to me, or
were different from what I have previously learned, from each chapter.
First of all, chapter one mentions the “look-say” method of
reading instruction. I have always called this method “sight words.” Basically,
it is the idea that students should memorize words so they can recall them on
sight. While I don’t feel like EVERY kid
does this easily, I do think it is important to incorporate sight words into
the classroom. Some words just cannot be sounded out (come, for example, is a
hard one for students). Also, extremely frequent words will become so familiar
to students that they don’t HAVE to sound them out. I think sight words are a
good way for students to recognize sound patterns like –th, -ight, and –ch. Has anyone ever heard this teaching method called "look-say" instead of "sight words?" Do you think it is an effective way to learn?
In chapter two, a topic I found noteworthy was the section on “fostering
independent work habits.” I really liked
the idea of doing partner reading – where one person reads and another asks
questions. I also liked the idea of
having literacy centers that students can work independently at and rotate
through without being walked through every step – teachers need to learn how to
let their student be independent when it comes to literacy. I like the idea of
letting students choose their own writing topics and books – letting them make
the choice for themselves. It is important to let students explore their own interests,
whereas so many assignments are up to the teacher.
I found the Four Blocks Reading Program interesting from chapter
three. I have learned about each of the four blocks (guided reading,
self-selected reading, writer’s workshop, and working with words), but I have
never heard of it called “Four Blocks.” I will incorporate all 4 aspects of
this program into my future classroom, but I especially like “writer’s
workshop.” I just like the idea of sharing really good examples of writing to
the class and then exploring that further through writing assignments, group
write, and class discussion/projects. I always think of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee when I think of these things. It’s not a book that most students would pick up
in the library, but it has such a good message and is written wonderfully.
There are so many different writing assignments and projects you could do with
that book.
I put the "look-say" on my blog too! I hadn't head of it called that before. We always call it sight words as well! I am curious if anyone has head of it before too or used the method ! I like the idea of partner reading as well we do this in the first grade class I have subbed in. They partner read each one reads a page then they ask a question to the other student to make sure they were following along. I think it works really well. I found the four lock interesting also. I added that in my blog. I think it sounds very good and could work. I would like to try it sometime in the way they have it. I have done all of the four items just not in order or at the same time. Great post !
ReplyDeleteI also put "look-say" down. Words are hard to memorize for some students. It always amazes me how much trouble some kids have but yet they know when they see the work McDonald's or Walmart. I have not heard it called "look-say" before just sight words. I do think this is an effective way to learn just like in math you memorize times tables. I worked with a group of students on math make up work this past school yet and this one student could not figure out how to do it the way the teacher taught it which was a number on the top and a number on the side then put an x in each box then add each row (count the x's) then add that column for the answer- common core. This is complicated unless you are good at puzzles and this student was frustrated. I told them any number times zero is always zero and any number times one is that number. He got the problems done for those problems in about two minutes - he understood that. Not every student learns the same way which is why as teachers we need to reach all types of learners.
ReplyDeleteThe term "look-say" was kind of new but not really since it is the same as sight words. In past experiences, I do not remember any of my cooperative teachers using this method, but instead using sight words. From chapter two, I too like the idea of giving the students more independence and have them find their own interests. You will be surprised on how many students love sharing their work or reading to the class/partners. I too plan on using literacy centers in my classroom because it encourages students to work with their peers.
ReplyDeleteI actually have heard of the term "look-say" and knew what it was. Probably because I was with a Reading Specialist in my last observation class that used a lot of the older terms and techniques, which is great! She is amazing at what she does and has been doing it forever. I remember even asking her what look-say was and she said, "oh yes, you call it sight words now"....lol. I do think look-say is a very effective way of learning. I have asked teachers and they stand by it as well.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the term sight words even more. Seems more official! It is a good method, maybe a bit repetitive, but sometimes that is just what you need to do!
ReplyDelete