Sheryl Elliott - Blog 1- Miller, Not This, Section 1

     Many points in the article stood out to me and made me really analyze the way I teach reading.  The first point that was mentioned is that children learn to read by reading.  Just like learning to ride a bicycle, learning to read takes practice.  The practice cannot be effective without the correct tools needed for instruction.  That is where I come in.  The tools do not have to be elaborate.  Me, students, and books….that’s all it takes.  Throw in an effective and engaging mini lesson, and students have everything they need to be a good reader.  No more reading until the timer goes off!  Students have to have a purpose for reading. 

     Another valid point mentioned in the article is how conferencing enables a teacher to really know her students as readers.  Without conferencing how can I know my students as readers?  Also, how can I know the students are really reading?  I also learned in the article how important conferencing is so that I will know that my students are reading books that fit them just right!    “Unguided choice and lack of monitoring can mean that students see struggle while reading as their own permanent deficiency.”  This statement made me feel so guilty.  How many children have sat in my classroom and felt like this? 

     Reading independently is not enough!  Effective reading instruction takes instruction, books, students, teacher, conferencing, and time!  Room 112 will have plenty of this during this school year!