For this review, I chose the lesson Developing a Definition of Reading through Investigation in Middle School, which initially appealed to me because I started to think what my definition of reading was. Then I thought to myself, would I even be able to teach this until I understood what my definition of reading was? I am in graduate school, getting a degree to teach English Language Arts, and I am not sure what my DEFINITION of reading is. I was never given the opportunity to establish and develop this throughout my public school years, and even throughout undergrad I am not sure I have a true definition. I would use this lesson as an opportunity to introduce this idea: that reading can have its own definition for everyone. This lesson called to me.
Once I dived in I was reassured the merit of this lesson by one of the first steps of preparation for the teacher, which is to compile a variety of texts from picture books, to beginning readers that students may have read in first grade, all the way through college level material. Also, the teacher should include informal reading material like magazines, newspapers, dictionaries, manuals, and job applications.
Through multiple class periods, the teacher leads the students through an exploration of their definition of reading. They will develop their initial definition, and then through small group and large group discussions they will explore various elements that they see as patterns in books. Students will complete Reading Surveys, and be able to talk with other students about what they think and feel about reading.
Perhaps one of the most interesting and unique opportunities that students will get as they complete this lesson is the integration of technology, particularly that of a very familiar way of expressing themselves: social networking. Rather than complete a typical reading poster, students will create a reading profile, on a site accessible through school servers and free of cost, and will print out their profiles to be displayed around the classroom. For many students, this will serve as a form of personal accomplishment, and their unique definition will be displayed for others. Definitions should be considered when integrating reading, and is a great way for teachers to understand their students understanding and scope, as well as their opinion.
This is a fantastic lesson, and while I think it can be adapted to meet the needs of younger learners, it is completely possible to do in a middle school classroom. I plan on using this lesson in my classroom during the first few weeks of school. I believe that it can serve as a great way to explore literature, expand a students understanding of their reading habits and likes and dislikes, as well as give the teacher insight into the child as a reader when they enter the classroom. I highly recommend it.
Brandi Brink