What is all the hype about the Science of Reading?

In reality, the Science of Reading research was first published in the early 1990's and was the basis for the  No Child Left Behind program supported by the federal government.   The basis of this research is that phonics should be taught systematically. What has been added information that has been gleaned from brain research, how our brain works and reacts to certain instruction.  

Is the Science of Reading perfect?  In my opinion no. Will "Johnny" learn to read through the Science of Reading?  Yes, but how deep will "Johnny's" comprehension be?   Strategies must also be taught to beginning readers.  Research is clear that we learn most of our vocabulary through wide reading.  Children need to know how to use context to figure out what an unknown word means.  They need to learn to look up the word if the context doesn't give them enough information to discern the meaning.  Children need to learn to ask themselves if something they read make sense and they need to know strategies to use of something doesn't make sense!

There is, of course, not doubt that systematic phonics instruction is crucial for beginning readers. This should not  overshadow the importance of strategy instruction.  

Who Reads What and Does it Matter?

         There is a lot of controversy about whether children should read series books, graphic novels or even sometimes, Harry Potter books (because of the magic).  In my opinion, if a child is interested in reading anything (appropriate, of course) then let the child read.  The concern about series books is that they, like sitcoms, are repetitive in theme and often not "deep" reading.  In reality, series books give children (and adults) the opportunity to really know the characters, what their traits are and how they might likely react to a given situation.  This allows accurate predictions based on inferences derived from the characters' personalities.  Graphic novels allow children to read more than just the text.  They learn to read the surrounding picture, the characters' expression and understand the format of this comic style writing. For instance, a "say balloon" is round without scallops. (see below) So, this basically become the text structure of a graphic novel.

          But, paramount in getting children to read is interest in the topic.  Sometimes teachers need to BUILD that interest.  That's why we must know our books.  If a second grader is really into Encyclopedia Brown books then perhaps that child would love another mystery solving series such as Cam Jansen books.   On another note going back to "building interest," I have found that sometimes we must hand children books they didn't know they wanted to read.  In high school we had required reading.  I chose from the selection given, the book, The Grapes of Wrath.  At that time in my life,  I would never have chosen this book on my own, but it still remains one of my favorite books...

                                                                    

                                                                               

Hello,
    Reading is an activity that covers so much of life.  We read to learn, to feel, to understand, to explore, to create.... Blogging allows people to read and write about their area of interest, expertise, etc.
   I find blogs fascinating.  You type a question into the computer and someone out there has most likely shared an answer,  if not, you will most likely find the question has been asked by someone else and there is a group pondering the answer.
   Starting a blog is easy.  A blog can be as fancy or plain as you make.  It can be written into as often as you like, but information can get outdated quickly. 

 Enjoy!