Posting here the questions I asked colleagues and co-teachers from CRAIN for our discussion on Books and Texts for Teaching and Instruction.
Teacher Y
Is it possible for our kids to choose, on their own, the books to read and discuss? If so, when's the best time/age to let them do that.
When we go by the
principles and foundations of human rights, yes – children can choose for
themselves. The UN Rights of the Child proclaim this liberty. As adults, it is
our responsibility to create the space and the environment to actualize this
liberty.
When is the best
time / age -> Kindergarten; the moment they begin school 😊provided that, the school environment has designed and created a
space for children that foster and support their developmental needs.
Having said this,
there are psych and educ theories that can be the basis for creating a child centered learning
environment where in choice and agency are fostered and promoted:
Jean Chall’s Stages of Reading Development; Jean Piaget’s; John Dewey; Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
Is there a strategy to teach them how to choose the best reading materials for themselves?
Model the habit, routines and the behavior of
making good, informed choices – even discernment 😊
Teacher R
I tend to use a variety of reading resources: short stories,
chapter books, novels, worksheets (ReadWorks), etc.
Is there an ideal profile for each of those resources?
It would be good to always remember that categories,
genres, labels and levels are guides. It helps us keep things in order,
allowing our thinking to be disciplined and it leads us to productivity. What
we can do is to review, examine and be informed of our student’s progress,
strength and weakness as well as his/her assessment in selecting sources, texts
and literature for instruction.
When should we use a child's interests? When should we push them to read beyond their usual interests?
This is my BIG problem too, with some of my students.
The framework of pre-reading, during reading and
post reading works wonders, but also, be open to non-linear ways of thinking
and thought processes. It is always helpful to take notes, use metacognitive
thinking, reflect and take insight.
