Book Discussion #3

Shannon and I finished reading Kindergarten Literacy.  We discussed the importance of the table ‘A Child’s Understanding of Print Concepts’ listed on p.198.  It is important to understand the progression of a child’s writing.  On p.199 Dr. Anne says that experience with print through shared reading and writing helps children notice regular sequences of letters and patterns.  I plan to have more shared reading experiences in my class next year.  On p. 211 the author discusses the importance of everyday writing routines.  This part of the text gave me several ideas to use in my classroom.  The author explains the importance of read alouds, shared reading, guided reading and independent reading.  A combination of these things can support children at all ability levels.  It is also important to model reading strategies.  I found the strategy table listed on p.250 to be helpful.  Shannon and I enjoyed the section about linking reading and writing with series books.  This was a new concept to me.  I hope to use some of these ideas to build background knowledge.  My favorite part of the book was about the power of names.  The author says that a teacher can examine how children write their names to learn what they already know about print.  There is power in teaching letters through names.  I definitely want to use these ideas and concepts in my classroom next year.