FACILITATED: Tackling Tough Texts (15 clock hours)
| Average Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Five Stars | |
I loved this class and the ability to do it at my own pace, at any time, any place. Thanks for the valuable information and providing a convenient way to obtain it.
In this course you will learn how to give your students in grades 4-12 the tools to “tackle tough text” and to become successful readers and learners. In teaching, there is a shift of focus that takes place at around 4th grade where literacy instruction changes from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” It is a known phenomenon that a number of students who did quite well in the primary years struggle with this new type of reading. Students reading at their frustration level find it to be well, frustrating. Teachers in all subject areas discover that using the Reading Comprehension Checklist helps students tackle tough text. Empowering students with this unique tool proves to alleviate frustration and increase achievement. This course is based on the proven research by Sue Klund, Reading Specialist and Quality Teaching Network expert.
When I first started this course, I expected to learn strategies that focused on "during" reading activities such as focusing and context clues. This course has offered much more than this. Thus, all the steps of this checklist have been concrete tools and activities that are extremely helpful in constructing meaning. I plan to practice each step with my students as we read informational passages together (with perhaps a better awareness of their experiences now that I have gone through the same steps myself!) Hopefully, they will begin to realize, as I have now realized, that trying to read without going through the steps of this checklist is like trying to make a cake without first checking to see if you have all the ingredients!
The checklist is an excellent tool for students to help keep them focused, organized, and active readers.
Many times the students get discouraged, especially the special education students that have difficulty reading to begin with. I believe this course has allowed me to gain the tools necessary to help them succeed and achieve some of their higher reading goals. The checklist has made me realize that even if the text is difficult all students can understand it, if it is taught the correct way.
This course has taught me that all students, especially ones with difficulties with reading comprehension can learn how to use a formal tool in order to assist them with texts that are tough for them. As I was learning about the checklist, I couldn't help but feel a hint of regret that I did not have it available to me in high school and college!
This course has changed the way that I approach reading. This will make preparing for class easier for myself. I will pass this roadmap to success in reading on to my students. In fact I copied the "roadmap" and will give it to students prior to our first reading.
This course has strengthened my belief in the importance of reading to learning, especially in the area of social studies. I think this course also refreshed my understanding of the importance of context and prior knowledge to understanding. I am going to try and focus on these key concepts this year.
I found several activities to be extremely helpful. It not only allows me to see which concepts the student thinks are central, I can also gain insight into which students are having difficulty with comprehending, vocabulary etc. This course has provided a solid tool to allow children the ability to self monitor and control their reading comprehension. It definitely filled a gap in taking the class lesson techniques and making them accessible to the student on an independent level. The goal of reading should be to create a life-long love of reading. By helping to keep students focused and organized, these strategies and the checklist, remove a level of frustration. I have really gained useful strategies that I am anxious to try out this year!
For me, this course has really opened my eyes to the importance of pre-reading discussions. This tool will help focus student attention and ease anxiety about answering questions. The reading checklist encourages students to become involved in the reading process. It helps to make reading less intimidating and more manageable.
I am excited to work this process into this school year and beyond. I thank you for such a wonderful course that allowed you to see what you are doing and adapt it to make it better for all involved.
I enjoyed the course content and plan on using some things I have learned in future lessons. The readings and activities were both challenging and helpful.