Shared Readings: Modeling Comprehension, Vocabulary, Text Structures, and Text Features for Older Readers
By: Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, Diane Lapp
In this article by Fisher, Frey, and Lapp they express the importance in modeling our instruction as teachers. As we learn different methods and teaching practices of conducting an effective read aloud, I believe the most work by teachers is put into the preparation. As a teacher it is important to prepare adequately and have a focused objective of the lesson. It is also important that you let the discussion and students direct the means of addressing questions or needs for clarification throughout the read-aloud. Simply reading the book is not enough. As teachers it is important to effectively model our thought process and how good readers engage with text and make connections.
I enjoyed how this article studied many expert teachers and gave examples of great modeling techniques. More than ever when we conduct a read aloud we must model to students how we predict, use context clues, and identify text structures of the overall plot. Using authentic text that students can relate to makes this process more enjoyable and leaves room for more participation.
When reflecting on my elementary school experience I remember a lot more whole-class ‘teaching in the middle’ instruction. With the emerging and recent research available, this is not a productive model to follow. Teachers must strive to make learning more of an individual experience, as no two learners are the same. Guided Reading and leveling our classroom library can teach students the process in selecting a book ‘just right’ and one that actually engages them. As the article reinforces, expert teachers do the majority of their work before the lesson. The actual read-aloud/lesson may only take 15 minutes while the rest of the time; students are making the transfer to a relatable activity based on what they observed from modeling. This is why effective modeling should be carefully crafted, as it is a key factor in literacy instruction.
Jenna makes a good point about modeling instruction is an essential learning technique. Students need to be able to have an idea of what is about to take place in the lesson and they like to know what is going on. I also agree that no two learners are the same and we need to make learning a more individual experience. This brings up the point of accomodating your classroom to meet the needs of all of your students and to make sure you get to know all your students. Modeling leads to other literacy aspects and that is why is it so crucial.
ReplyDeleteJenna I agree that just reading the text is not enough for the students. It is important for teachers to model their thought process so that the students understand what they are suppose to be doing when they are reading. Especially as the students get older because they are not learning to read but reading to learn. The students need to know how to make predictions, connections and ask questions to better comprehend the text. This article did a great job at describing the methods to assist students and why they work.
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