I often speak about the emotion tied to literacy learning. As students enter the literate world–learning to read and write on their own–there is often much excitement and joy! For some, these positive feelings continue as they refine their skills and realize the myriad of opportunities that literacy provides. Yet sadly, frustration and reluctance overtake excitement and joy for many students.
As important as it is to teach literacy skills to our students, it is equally important to maintain a sense of fun and pleasure in our literary pursuits. How?
- Sharing favourite books through read-alouds.
- Finding books our students will enjoy to explore on their own.
- Learning fun, fascinating facts!
- Exploring many genres of text.
- Playing with language through rhyme, riddles, alliteration…
- Connecting with students through journal writing.
- Uncovering the many functions of writing!
Pam Allyn has said, “Reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out.”
How will you breathe life into your classroom through literacy?
As a resource teacher and interventionist this year, and as someone who keeps a pulse to children’s literature, I borrow books from the public library that I think former and current students will like and I share these with them. It’s one of my favourite things to do continue to support student readers.
I love this idea Elisa!