Peronsal Model of the Theory of Reading:

Elizabeth McCalley

EDRD 7715

Dr. Ritchie

June 4^th, 2012

Personal Model of the Theory of Reading

            Reading is a practice, a journey and a lifestyle. The practice of reading involves much more than what the eye can see. Reading is the most basic yet intricate means of communication. Through a child’s journey of reading development, reading evolves from being a subject taught to a part of life; it becomes the glue that holds all communication together. Therefore, this glue brings light to new learning that wasn’t discovered yet.

            As a young student is learning how to read for the first time, there are many different struggles and fears that can arise. During my internship this past semester in a Kindergarten classroom, I came across many students facing these. A few students in particular would cringe at the sight of a book and come up with different excuses why they did not need to read the text. After much battling and trial and error with these students, I realized the problem. Most of these students did not like reading because, when they were asked to participate such as in large group time, they were intimidated, or simply were not interested in the texts. After recognizing these barriers, I had to change direction and focus on the core of what reading is about and re-introduce this concept to my students in a brand new manner.

            For instance, I incorporated ways for my students to practice choral reading, whisper reading or buddy reading which were all techniques for avoiding nervousness in a large group while still encouraging peer interaction. I would also try to find books on different subjects that appealed to individual students. Through these small efforts, my students became much more involved and interested, and reading became an enjoyable time for them. This scenario made me realize many truths about reading; that reading is a practice, a constant effort. I saw the practice and struggle of reading come to life. Reading is much more than a task that needs to be mastered. Reading must be enjoyed and pursued because, without a want to read, a child will struggle to become literate.

            I also believe that, reading being a practice, it is naturally a personal journey for each child. Yes, reading may be a milestone a Kindergartener works to achieve, and a First grader smoothes out the kinks, but reading is much more than that; reading is a necessity in life. Being literate is a skill and a privilege that every child should master. Reading broadens horizons and opens doors to many different opportunities. In my personal life, becoming an educator and having many opportunities to teach children of all ages, I have learned the immense value reading carries and therefore understand the great responsibility of learning how to teach reading effectively. Through my development and learning of correct teaching methods, I have advanced my own reading skills and broadened my own vocabulary. It does not matter if you are a seven-year-old student in First grade or a 22 year-old graduate student, reading is a vital component in the recipe for successful learning and growth.

            Lastly, I believe that reading possess a value much greater than most know. The ability to read allows children to express themselves through choosing genres of their interest or sharing stories they have read with their parents and peers. It is a simple tool to master. However, once mastered, it becomes the most valuable tool a young student has. Developing a love for words and stories at a young age is so important and therefore, my philosophy about reading is that it cannot be encouraged enough and needs to be constantly practiced to allow it to blossom into a wonderful way of life.