Do you agree or
disagree with the quote that “skillful readers of English thoroughly process
the individual letters of words in their texts?” Why or why not?
I would disagree with this quote based of the information that I read in Waver’s text. Chapter five of Weaver’s text explained that we do not separately identify each of the letters but rather, we process words in letter chunks and as wholes. Readers use context clues to create meaning which also reveals that good readers do not read strictly from left to right because they might also read ahead to identify words or clarify their understanding of the texts. Figure 5.6 further explains that the combination of visual aspects of words and texts, letter sound relationships, context, semantic knowledge, and schemas are all part of the equation in how a reader fully comprehends texts. Also, I really enjoyed all the activities that Weaver had the reader accomplish to prove that you do not need to see the whole word when reading a text.
I thought back to how I was taught to read at school and cannot remember much of those instructions. Now, as a teacher, I am reconsidering my beliefs in reading. I am starting to believe in a reading approach that combines phonics, whole language, and most importantly, context clues. I understand that there are specific rules to follow for phonics, which is helpful unless you run across the exceptions. I enjoyed reading “Phonics Fun” because I had to re-read it several times in order to focus on the homophones and the exceptions to the rules. I believe children should use several different strategies rather than just sounding out each individual letter to gain meaning of every word they encounter.
I too am reflecting a lot on how I teach reading in my classroom as we are going through Weaver's text. I found myself disagreeing with the quote as well. The activities throughout chapter five were effective in showing that not all letters are required to read words. In addition, based on all of the chapters we have read so far it seems as though the use of context clues is one of the most efficient ways that readers gain meaning from a text. The quote seems to contradict much of our reading. I also found figure 5.6 to be a good graphical demonstration of everything that goes into a reader's comprehension.
ReplyDeleteLindsey,
ReplyDeleteI like how you addressed the fact that good readers don't always read from left to right. They read and reread and read ahead in order to get meaning from a phrase or sentence. As a result of reading these chapters, I feel more aware of the strategies that I employ. I find myself watching myself when reading...if that makes sense!
Figure 5.6 in the text illustrates just how many factors come into play when we talk about the reading process. Like you, my philosophy on reading continues to evolve. When I think I have it figured out, I question something else. I guess that is what students and teachers do best!
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteI too disagree with Adam's quote. Like you stated, I found all the reading exercises very interesting and intriguing. Indeed, it did allow me as a reader to understand that you do not have to read words as a whole, but merely parts of the words. This is how we are able to read words at a constant pace regardless their length.
Weaver's text, which I enjoy, is completing changing my view on reading as well. It is definitely not in a bad way, as I feel I am much more knowledgeable about reading instruction. I think I am learning that reading is a process of multiple strategies, some more so than others.