Monday, September 21, 2009
Reading is Fundamental
‘Reading is Fundamental’ was started in 1966 to motivate underprivileged children to read by delivering books and literacy resources that can help young students get interested. Knowing that 4 out of 10 American 4th graders read below their grade levels show that there needs to be more emphasis on the importance of reading. Students are surrounded by words every day of their lives, within the classroom and even when walking home from school. Students can only become lifelong readers if they are exposed to books throughout their childhood. This also entails having caring adults around that are willing to help students learn how to read. The text talks about how good readers are good writers and without accessible books how can a student ever become a good reader or writer? Reading and writing go hand in hand. Students pick up on the way authors write and the ideas they write about, making them more open minded when it is their time to sit down and write in class. Should teachers in today’s classrooms make it a point that students read every day even if it isn’t educational books?
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What a great video! I had no idea that 40% of America's 4th graders read below their own grade level. In today's world being able to read and write is something that is required to survive everyday life. Someone who can not read would have a very hard time getting around. I believe that reading and writing go hang in hand with each other. If you can not perform one task then I wouldnt think that you could do the other. It was also shocking to know that many students do not have access to books to even being to read. I was always surrounded by books as a child and feel that it is extremely important to make books accessible to your students and children because it will make them excel in the areas of reading and writing.
ReplyDeleteI really loved this video! There is so much going on in our communities that we do not know about. To us, not having a book at home sounds crazy. But in fact, there are so many children who do not have parents that care about their education. On that same note, there are also students whose parents do not speak english. These children then suffer as second language learners. I believe that it is important for groups like R.I.F. to help reach out to these children. Providing books for them helps further their education so much. If they are not learning to read at an early age, then they will more definitely have trouble writing in the future. Like the video said, we see writing everywhere in our world today. Every task in life has directions. If we are not able to read and comprehend those directions, then how will we survive in a world where people are smarter, jobs are more competitive, and having a higher education can determine how you live? Times are getting tough and education is becoming more and more important. I commend R.I.F. for taking the time to put the future of our children first.
ReplyDeleteI this this video is amazing. It's wonderful the impact that a reading program can have on young adults. I think that reading is one of the most important elements in a child's curriculum in school. It has so many reflections in other subjects. Reading can be used in a variety of subjects. Children can read about important historical figures and write a history report on the person of their choice. Children can use books to read about different ways numbers are used for math curriculum. It is pretty obvious the strong connection their is between reading and writing. I think that children model much of their writing on the styles and types of writing they are exposed to. I also think that it is important for children to have a balance between fiction and non-fiction books. Although non-fiction books may be more educating, fiction books are usually more interesting for children to read because they have more freedom in the books that they choose as well as many more genres to choose from. However, I also think that it is important for children to read non-fiction writing, like newspapers, autobiographies, historical novels, etc. to be exposed to the realities of the world and to use this type of reading as references for things in higher grades, like research papers. Overall, I would say the connection between reading and writing is evident and it is important that educators stress the importance of reading every single day for students.
ReplyDelete'Reading is Fundamental' seems like a great way to get kids reading! Reading can be so much fun and students need to see that, at the youngest age possible. I love to read and it is so hard during school to find the time to read for my own pleasure. I wish college had reading time within each class session! I love how RIF gives books and literacy resources to students. Making reading fun to students is key to helping them see that writing can be just as fun too!
ReplyDeleteIf students read something they like, then as teachers we can help them become authors so they can write stories they will like as well . I agree with the video with the statement, "America's future cannot be ignored." We are the future teachers to help children become respectful and intelligent citizens.
Great video! It is unfortunate that many children do not have the opportunity to read or have books of their own but it is also good to know there are programs that are trying to reach these children. Sometimes the library at school or the classroom is the only place children can read a book. It’s true if you can’t read, how are you going to be able to write or even understand the world? We get ideas from reading what other has written and if you are not exposed to various forms of writing then writing is going to be a struggle. Reading everyday no matter what it is should be encouraged. This allows the student to pick something of interest whether it is a magazine, newspaper, or comic. Although sometimes I believe it is necessary for students to read books to pick up on styles and techniques from the authors. Having a balance in the classroom lets students know reading can be fun and informational
ReplyDeleteI think that it is very important for teachers to make it a point to have their students read every day. While I was growing up, we had SSR- Sustained Silent Reading for fifteen minutes after lunch each day. There were certain requirements on the types of books and magazines we read like no comic books. All of my teachers had their own library filled with books for students to read whenever they wanted to or if they forgot a book for SSR. ‘Reading is Fundamental’ talks about becoming a lifelong reader and that entails being exposed to books throughout their childhood which some schools and districts cannot afford. A cheap way of getting books is at garage sales; my 4th grade teacher would be able to buy a grocery bag full of books for five dollars. I also remember having a book drive where students and families would donate books to the school and they would go to underprivileged children. During Christmas time, we would also have a book exchange where each student would bring in a new book and wrap it up and the students would exchange books.
ReplyDeleteI think incorporating any type of reading in your classroom is important because as the movie pointed out, reading is everywhere. It is not always fiction or non-fiction; it is the simple readings such as street signs, labels, news, etc, that are essential to learning and living! Being able to read expands vocabulary and keeps kids thinking about the text. Reading and writing go hand in hand. If you don’t know what the words are or mean, how will you know how to use them in writing? When you read you pay attention to certain patterns and sentence structure, without even realizing it. Reading teaches you so much and most of the time you as the reader don’t even realize it! It is great that these people are giving those kids who are missing out on being exposed to books, a chance to succeed and learn. Reading is probably one of the basics things every person should know how to do, without the knowledge that you gain from reading you wouldn’t have the potential to go through life, it is essential to learning and writing. I know they both depend on each other because I have never enjoyed either of them, but the more I do one the more I do the other. Especially in college I think I have expanded my vocabulary and improved writing skills because I have been asked to read so much.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for teachers to take out time in each day to either read to their students or have their students read (depending on the age group). Whether it is fiction or nonfiction all books, magazines, newspapers, etc. should be fair game for these times. Reading needs to be enjoyable to the kids and they should want to read. Giving them a wide variety to choose from will help tremendously. Having programs such as 'Reading is Fundamental' is awesome for all children. It gives students a chance to be around adults who realize how important reading is. This plays an important role for those students who do not speak english and those whose parents are not involved in their learning. I knew a couple of friends in elementary and middle school who didn't own a book and could care less about reading. It's terrible to know that there are kids out there like this. Reading helps not only as a writer, but, in every subject and in everyday life and it is never to early too instill that into our children.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this video. Reading definitely has a lot to do with writing and sometimes people forget that not all children have access to books. I definitely agree that exposing children to reading at a young age shapes them to be lifelong readers. Personally as a kid when I found a book that I enjoyed, it made me want to read more books so that I could experience the same feeling. Reading more led me to expand my imagination and improve my vocabulary. The more reading I did the better my writing became. Having books accessible to students who are not able to afford books gives them the same opportunity to read and explore. Doing this, will allow them to flourish positively in both the reading and writing aspects of their lives. It is so true that in our everyday lives we are surround by words, so why not prevent students from low income families from falling behind and have words appear in books for them to read. Reading will open new adventures for children which can be reflected in the creative stories they decide to write about.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that there are reading programs that give to society’s young population in hope to encourage them to enjoy reading and read more frequently. It is sad to think that some children may not have at least one book at home but that is the reality of many homes across the globe. By the reading program giving books to young children they are inspiring them to not only read but to write as well. Routman opens up chapter six in our text discussing how the connection between reading and writing is “ignored in classrooms” (p. 119). Reading and writing can by intertwined in so many ways and a teacher can really help improve students reading and writing scores and abilities by using this connection within the lessons in the classroom. Teachers should definitely make sure that their students are reading and writing everyday. Reading and writing are tools that you will constantly need in life and both require practice to ensure development and critical thinking. Students do not always need to read educational texts, the teacher can give students choice in what they choose to read and should have students explore various genres to be more informed about text in general.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really important program because reading IS fundamental in order for students to be good writers. Writing can be limited by how much you read. If so many students are reading below grade level, then their writing capabilities are probably fairly low as well. RIF actually reminds me of a program called Reach Out and Read at CHOC Hospital. Reach Out and Read is a non-profit organization which is focused on promoting literacy and encouraging kids to be life-long readers. At CHOC, children as young as six months are given a new or gently-used book with each doctor visit. Volunteers at CHOC act as bedside readers for the children who have to stay in the hospital and also read to children in the waiting rooms. Chapman’s Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) volunteered with CHOC’s Reach Out and Read program a couple of years ago. It was such a fun experience reading to these children and watching how engrossed they’d become in the stories. Just by the few hours of volunteering we did with Reach Out and Read, it became evident that reading is fundamental for all children and it’s great that there are programs similar to it out there.
ReplyDeleteI loved this video and I think R.I.F. is a wonderful program. I think that many of us take the gift of literacy for granted and don't even think about what it would be like to not have access to reading material. As we have discussed in class, reading and writing depend on one another and without books children are missing out on half of the literacy learning process. Writing in school for these children must be more difficult then it should be because they are not exposed the language and words that come from books. I think that teachers encouraging their students to read outside of class is crucial to their literacy success. Even if they are too young or can't read on their own then the teacher should create class time to read to them everyday or require parent involvement hours at home. Children should also do practice this to learn to love reading. If they learn to pick their own reading material at a young age and read for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day, their chances for success in academic writing will definitely increase.
ReplyDeleteIlliteracy is a major problem around the world. In this video, they stated a statistic that I was not aware of. Four out of every ten American fourth grade students are below reading level. A major contributing factor to this problem is the lack of reading materials for children. In many impoverished communities, literature is not easy to come by, especially not outside of schools. The best way for kids to learn how to read is by reading, so it is very important that kids have materials to read.
ReplyDeleteThe Reading is Fundamental program is an amazing resource to those communities that don’t have resources where kids can get reading materials. In this world, the necessity to read is everywhere. From signs, to newspapers, to labels, reading is essential. Reading is Essential is dedicated to making sure that kids are not left in the dark. Hopefully with the help of organizations like RIF along with the an increase in educational awareness, children will begin to receive equal opportunities to learn. As future teachers, it is very important that we keep an eye out for children who are struggling and may not have support at home. We need to give them the encouragement and the tools to succeed. Every child has the potential to be brilliant if given the opportunity.
I think video completely hits the spot. It is so important for us to read on a daily basis, whether we are a student or a teacher. Good readers create good writers and the more we read, the better we write. The more we read, the more we are exposed to different writing styles, all aspects that help us in our growing as writers as well. Not every family at home has the chance to read to or with their children so it is very important for that to happen in the classroom. We as future teachers have the power to encourage reading and writing in the most positive way. This time in class is crucial for students to learn to love reading, whether it is a Harry Potter book or a National Geographic magazine, it is still an introduction to certain styles of writing (either as a fiction novelist or a journalist reporter).
ReplyDeleteI believe that teachers should make it a point to have a silent reading time every day during class. I agree that reading is very important and goes hand-in-hand with writing. You become a better writer by reading and you become a better reader by writing. The vocabulary and style techniques used in great works of literature can be a model for those who are writing their own pieces. So, in order to be better writers we need to be reading, which relates back to the video clip. The “Reading is Fundamental” program is fantastic and I believe it will help many students. One needs to be able to read in order to be a successful and competent person. If one is unable to read then he or she is at a serious disadvantage when compared to others who can. I believe it is necessary for programs like this one to exist in order to help children who do not have the resources or people to help them learn to read or become better readers.
ReplyDeleteI think it is so important for children to have access to books. But not only accessing them, but owning them. Their is a sense of belonging and connection when you read a book that is your own. You don't have to worry about damaging it, or writing in it. The video is right, somehing magical occurs when you give a child a book. I think this is why book fairs are also so important. I remember we had book fairs at my elementary school where books were sold for very inexpensive prices, and you could donate your old books also to get a better discount. I think book fairs are a great idea to give access to kids to owning their own books, because books are very expensive in the stores. But this program is a wonderful idea also.
ReplyDeleteI really like this video and program. “Reading is Fundamental” seems like a great program to get students reading and improving their writing. Reading and writing is very much connected. I think that most teachers and future teachers will all agree that improving your reading skills is the first step to improving your writing. When it comes to your questions, I do believe that teachers today should make it a point that students read every day even if it isn’t an educational book. As students get older, they will read a variety of different sources including newspapers, magazines, papers, ect. Reading and writing is something people do everyday their entire lives so I believe it’s crucial to teach both everyday from a young age in many different ways and forms. As a teacher, I would hate to think that 40% of American students are reading below their grade level, but I believe programs like this one can help.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great program! I remember in elementary school taking trips to the public library a few times a month and being able to wander around and find books that interested us. I was amazed by the vast amount of books in any subject I wanted. I truly believe that is where my love for books and reading was born.
ReplyDeleteKnowing I have wanted to become a teacher since 4th grade, I always vowed to keep bookshelves of children books for my students to be able to browse through at any point in the year. They would be able to check them out from me, or just read them silently at their desks if they finished with their work early. For this reason, I always saved my books over the years from when I was a child in storage.
Reading is absolutely fundamental and so important for every human being, regardless of age. If anybody has had the opportunity to be in a foreign country where their native language is not used, it can be difficult to get around. This feeling of confusion should not be something anybody should have to feel in their home country because they don't have the resources to learn how to read or access to books. Fighting illiteracy is a major problem in our country and it should be taken very seriously, especially for us future educators.