Reading Assignment 2: Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of the text, Strategies That Work, discussed various comprehension instruction strategies that we as teachers can use. The chapter started off by detailing ways in which we can deliver effective comprehension instruction. Some of the most important aspects of successfully implementing comprehension instruction are to teach with the end in mind, gradually release responsibility, and diligently observed and assess.

The gradual release of responsibility is a framework that shows students how to do a particular task, and then gives them time to practice it. There are five steps of this framework are: teacher modeling, guided practice, collaborative practice, independent practice, and the application in authentic reading situations. Personally, I liked the comparison the book gave on how learning to ride bicycle is the perfect example for the gradual release of responsibility. First, the adult assesses how the child approaches the bike, similar to how teachers would assess the prior knowledge of their students. Second, the adult models how to ride the bike, just like the teacher would model how to properly form a sentence or complete a math problem. Next, the child rides the bike with training wheels; similar to the way a teacher would guide students through problems collectively. Finally, the child is able to ditch the training wheels and cruise down the street, identical to a child being able to solve every math problem flawlessly.

Also discussed in the chapter is the importance of switching strategies. As a teacher, you don’t necessarily want to be teaching inferring for seven straight weeks. Instead, integrate additional strategies so that your students can begin to build a repertoire of strategies that they can use. These strategies should be thought of as a tool for understanding. We have to realize that sometimes different jobs call for different tools, and the more tools you have available to you, the more likely it is that you will be able to finish the job.

The text goes on to list several key components to building a literate community. Fostering passion and curiosity is essential in any classroom. Curiosity cannot be squelched. The learning environment that you create as a teacher much be one that values collaborative learning and thinking. Large blocks of time must be allotted for writing and reading. The room must be arranged well, have accessibility to additional resources, and have texts from all types of genres.

I believe that this chapter gave many good ideas on how teachers can deliver effective and efficient comprehension instruction. When I was coming through grade school, I did not experience any type of instruction like this. I honestly do not remember being taught ANY clear strategy. I just remember reading and then skipping over a word or a phrase if I had a problem. As a prospective teacher, I'm excited to be able to implement strategies like these. I look forward to being able to observe and assess my students while at the same time comparing them to my younger self. It's exciting to see just how fast the quality of education is rising.