Methodology

Teaching Reading

How do we teach children to read?

What is reading?
Reading used to be seen only as the ability to recognize and say each separate word in a text using our knowledge of letters and sounds (a process known as decoding). We now know that reading is much more than simply decoding each word.
Now we think of reading as being able to get meaning from the text, even if we cannot read every single word. It is even possible for some children to be able to decode a text but not to understand what they are reading at all.

Methodology and Books

Used to Teach Reading

What methodologies can we use to teach reading?
Children are unique and they all have different learning styles and individual needs. We need to be aware of this when we consider the different methodologies we use to teach reading. There is no one fixed method that will successfully teach all children to read. The best way to teach reading successfully is through a variety of teaching methods using stories and books.
The following teaching methods, supported by appropriate book provision, underpin the NCS and outcomes-based education. Priority is given to understanding and the ability to apply knowledge. They are:
  •    Reading aloud
  •    Shared reading and writing
  •    Group and guided reading
  •    Independent reading and writing
  •    Skills development in context

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 METHODOLOGIES AND BOOKS

Reading Aloud

Using Stories for Language Development

What is reading aloud?
In essence, reading aloud is simply reading stories to children. You, the teacher, select and read stories that you know will appeal to the children. Reading aloud works when you read regularly throughout the year to your class. Reading aloud is one of the best ways to build children's general knowledge, vocabulary and language competence and to take them beyond their immediate experiences.
It also motivates children to want to learn to read because it demonstrates the pleasure and purpose of reading. Research shows that the children most able to take to literacy education are those who have been read to in their early years.

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READING ALOUD

Shared Reading

What is shared reading?
The teacher reads a Big Book with the children then teaches skills in context. The print in the Big Book must be big enough for all the children to see each word clearly. The teacher points to each word as she reads but keeps to the natural pace of the story.
Children are encouraged to join in the reading once they know the words. Shared reading is an important step in developing reading skills because it is a bridge between reading aloud and independent reading by the children. Shared reading with the children allows them to take over the task of reading gradually at their own pace.

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 SHARED READING

Group Reading

What is group reading?
Group reading is a way of teaching where children sit in a small groups (usually six children to a group) and the members of the group read the same text (usually a story or an interesting non-fiction book such as a biography). Each member of the group has a copy of the same book. The group consists of children of varying reading ability.
The group reads the book aloud, each group member taking a turn to read a section. When the group has completed the reading, they discuss the book and complete some activities based on the book. The whole class is involved in group reading at the same time, but each group reads different material. Each group has its own group leader who directs the reading activities.

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GROUP READING

Guided Reading

What is guided reading?
Children sit in small groups (usually six children to a group) and read the same text (usually a story or an interesting non-fiction books such a biography) with the teacher. The children all have a copy of the same book. For guided reading the group consists of children of more or less the same reading ability. The teacher works with the group, giving each child a chance to read aloud and to answer questions.
Various reading skills and strategies are targeted including phonics, sight word recognition, comprehension, knowledge of sentence structure and punctuation. Once the routines of group reading are established, the teacher has the opportunity to do guided reading with selected groups of children.

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GUIDED READING