My focus group has one particularly special child that can call words with great fluency but his reading comprehension is very, very, very low. He is very attuned to spoken word in our classes and lessons specific to science and social studies texts. I wonder how he can hear himself call the words and not understand what the text is about. Does he really hear his words? Has he turned off his ears and focused mainly on the speaking portion of reading aloud? He can listen to his partner read in peer reading and have total recall of details. I think I will work with him some more to compare his ability to make meaning from silent reading as to reading aloud. The brain research nerd in me wonders if there is a condition for this...Am I making sense?
Another student in my focus group mumbles when she reads aloud. However, her comprehension is outstanding. Her reading log is a joy to read because she makes entertaining connections to her text.
Motivation still continues to be the elephant in the room. The majority of my students hate to read, but love a read aloud. They are struggling to choose books they can both read and books they enjoy. Perhaps I need to focus more on a wider variety of genres so they can find their groove.
You are sharing some good wonderings about your special friend!! I can remember lots of times in K when I would read a story out loud and be so focused on reading the words accurately and with expression that I would have NO idea what I just read--even as an adult reader. You gathered valuable information about his being able to listen to others read and recall details. He must be a strong auditory learner! Your second student sounds like she processes more deeply through her writing. For motivation/engagement, do you think your kids would enjoy that "book pass" activity we did in our R2S class back in "September" (which was our late Aug. meeting)? That could be a fun way to expose them to different genres!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the time and thought you invested in your student and how you reflected on your conferencing time and used all you are learning about him to guide your instruction and to promote questioning. Thank you! Dawn