Week 4

The first reading prescribed for today, IRA/NAEYC Joint Position Statement, was very informative. Its focus on literacy for America’s youth and the process for that to occur was very well thought out with a focus on engaging children at a very young age. After reading this article one word has really stuck in my mind. Accountability. We have to find ways to engage families with young children and convey the importance of children growing up in a rich environment. As teachers we must make sure that we are setting the right example as both adults and professional teachers. We owe that much to ourselves, and more importantly, the children.

In the second article, Letting go of ‘letter of the week,’ I felt like the author made quite a few insightful thoughts. I thought it was really neat that the teacher was willing to make a change. I feel like we get so scared of making mistakes or causing waves in the system that we continue to go through the motions in a broken system. This type of attitude is the type that will help make long-term change.

The third article, Supporting Phonemic Awareness Development in the Classroom, really brought back old memories. I remember as an elementary student how much phonics helped me as a reader. I have vivid memories of struggling as a reader until the fourth 2^nd grade in which phonics really helped give me the confidence and knowledge to take my reading to another level. I think the teaching of phonics in classrooms is very important for the development of literacy in our students!

(http://thisversusthat.org/software/hooked-on-phonics-vs-baby-can-read-how-much-is-your-baby-can-read-program/)