I am Amy Reep. I have taught for ten years now. The last three I have taught language arts to fourth and fifth graders at Clyde Campbell. This year I am the sole teacher of all fifth grade students in the area of reading and writing. I do not like this, nor do I like teaching class in 75 minutes. I feel that there is so much pressure to get the kids to pass the test, even though many are not ready to read at this stage. This is the first year in which I have truly taught students at their ability level, which means for some second and third grade. After taking other graduate courses I understand how important this instruction is.
I have always loved reading, and was taught to read by my mom before I started kindergarten. I was always the sneaky kid in class that had my book tucked inside the textbook to make it look like I was paying attention. I still love to read every chance I get. I have this corny thing where I make myself read one book a year outside my comfort zone. I feel that this is important part of growth. I am not saying that instead of fiction I may choose nonfiction. I am saying I read something that doesn't fall into my belief system or totally out of my area of interest.
I had never given much thought to writing until I had to teach narrative writing to fourth graders. I discovered that I love this. It was always my favorite part of the day. I even believe that my kids thoroughly enjoyed writing as much as I loved teaching it. That is what I miss about fifth grade. There is little to no time devoted to writing like in fourth grade, since that is when they are tested on it. I also found that I enjoyed the art of letter writing when my husband was first deployed to Iraq. There was nothing more exciting than going to the mail box and finding a letter from him. The same was true for him when getting a picture colored by our son. The art of letter writing is rapidly declining, with technology so easily assessable, but to hold the tangible piece of love in your hand is something to be cherished.
The reason I have decided to get my masters in reading is because I want students to love reading as much as I do. I want to reach those struggling students and help them finally feel successful at reading. I think that feeling confident in one area will bring more self assurance to the children, creating a better person.
Amy Reep
Comments (1)
Amy,
I have never had the experience of teaching only one subject since I teach in the lower grades. I am currently teaching second grade at Snow Creek. It was amazing to get some of the students from Campbell. I have not been able to experience a class with so many readers above grade level in five years. The thing that I have noticed about my highest readers is how some struggle with comprehension.
We share many things in common from childhood. I also was the child whose mother spent time teaching to read and write at home prior to beginning school. I could always be found with a book or two. I have been so caught up with graduate school and my infant that my books have recently been put on the back burner, but this is my last class so there is hope that I will get time to read my books again soon!
Posted by Eirn Whisnant | June 4, 2010 6:31 PM
Posted on June 4, 2010 18:31