Putting research about young readers into practice
Abstract
This article from the Fall 1998 issue of The Tutor, a newsletter published by LEARNS, synthesizes research on 13 core understandings about how children learn to read and presents activity, ideas, and strategies for use by reading tutors. Practices include weaving the child's experiences into reading, creating a literary-rich setting, and using other activities (such as music) to encourage literacy skills.Issue
In designing tutoring programs and activities for young readers, program planners strive to make the best use of current research and put these findings into practice. By having a better understanding of how children learn to read and engage their environment, reading tutors can develop appropriate and innovative literacy activities.Action
Effective practices for helping children learn to read include:- Talk directly to the child about her past reading experiences and interests.
- Use oral storytelling, group construction of stories and play acting to involve children together in learning to read.
- Have the child write and illustrate a story, or dictate a story to you.
- Have the child construct a sequel to her favorite book.
- Create a literary rich environment with literacy walls, reading resources, and other materials, both in the teaching environment and at home.
- Encourage the child to share her experiences and build relevant learning experiences for her.
- Teach children the rules and conventions of reading in conjunction with larger discussions about books.
- Read poetry aloud, use magnetic poetry kits to allow children to hear and play with language.
- Have the child make note of all the "texts" in her life: e.g., lists, menus and puzzles.
- Use linguistic, logical, musical, and other activities.
- Create a portfolio of the child's work and review it regularly.
Context
These practices are based on research that synthesize core understandings of how children learn to read. While the activities presented were created with one-on-one tutoring in mind, they can be successfully modified and adapted to fit varying program needs.Citation
Blake, Amy. Putting Research to Use: Activities that Help Children Read. Portland: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 1998. p12.
Braunger, Jane and Jan Patricia Lewis. Building a Knowledge Base in Reading. (third edition) Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 1998.
Posted On
May 11, 2000For More Information
LEARNS at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
101 SW Main, Suite 500
Portland,
OR
97204
Phone: 1-800-361-7890
Fax: (503) 275-0133
Email: learns@nwrel.org
Resources
America Reads: Principles and Key Components
http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/filemanager/download/614/amreadpr.pdf