A Struggle in the Classroom

A lot of the students in my classroom are at different reading levels. Which in my case is sort of nerve racking when they should be at letter G instead of at letter A. I believe it is very important when a child is younger that they should be read to and that they should have educational toys that could help improve them in their future. I am not saying students should not have fun toys but sometimes the fun toys are the ones that help with shapes, colors, numbers, and even music. I understand also, that parents are busy but if they could set a side an hour or so to play or read to their child even if it is before bedtime that could help a child improve so much more.

Many of the students in my classroom you would never be able to tell until they tried to read something at how far behind they are. All of the students are very smart vocally but when I tried having them read a problem they struggled. In writing in their journals they would ask me how to spell a word. Keep in mind the word would be on the board as well. Each time I go i try and encourage them and hope the participate as Shor discuss. I hope that all the students feel comftorable and try and strive to learn in the classroom. I try to encourage and empower them in the classroom while being explicit because I feel that some children feel that they should not read if they are not as good as everyone else. Delpit says that we should be explicit and accepting of how there are all different types of ethnicity. We need to accept these children and encourage them and show them it is okay that they are not at all the same because that is what makes them special.

I think it is important to have some sort of specialist to set aside some time in the classroom as well so the child can improve at their reading levels. Maybe instead of going to library they could practice on sounding out words so that they are able to read the books instead of just looking at the pictures. I can see some of the students struggle when they are trying to show me their books and say, "Ms. Amanda what does this say..." I ask them to tell me and along with them sound it out. I understand it takes funds for special reading teachers but sometimes it seems that it is assumed that all of the students are at the same reading level when clearly they are not. But this does not all have to happen at school. It is very important for their parents to be more involoved with improving their child's education. If in my classroom this ever occurs hopefully i will attain the support of the parents and be able to set up a time to help the students who are struggling more then the others.

I have I think around 6 students above our reading curriculum. More then half are below and the rest are average. If more then half is below then something needs to be done because how are the students suppose to go on to other grades. Reading is a big part in every grade and is a key factor in whether a child will do well on test, because if they understand what they read they have a better chance at answering the question correctly. If they do not understand then they will probably guess and most likely be wrong.

I understand parents are busy but hopefully if they could provide some educational activities at home the students will exceed in the classroom. Kahne and Westheimer talk and explain the importance of educational experiences within the home and the positive outcomes there are. When more families get involved then more children prevail. We want our children to prevail so they can have a successful future!