Teaching students how to read is as much classroom organization as it is lesson planning. A few simple strategies incorporated into the daily classroom routine will introduce students to the wonderful world of books. Utilizing the classroom resources will help students learn to read and enjoy reading. The more excited the teacher is about reading and learning to read, the more excited the students will be to learn to read as well.
Classroom Layout Helps Students Learn to Read
The way a teacher sets up the classroom will have a huge impact on the emerging readers in her class. There are several aspects that a teacher needs to include in order to help her students learn to read. One important factor is that teachers should label common things in the classroom. This is especially important for the youngest classes who are just beginning to read. Seeing the words for light switch, sink, library, closet and more will help them connect the words they are seeing to the item or place.
Using the Classroom Library to Teach Reading
A classroom library should include books at, above and below the reading levels of the students. It should be easy for students to access and choose books, and should include comfortable seating for students to relax in as they read. Teachers need to use the classroom library regularly and teach students how to choose a book to read. Allowing time each and every day for students to pick their own book and enjoy reading is vital to the learning process.
Using a Word Wall in the Classroom
Using a word wall on a daily basis is another great way to reinforce and introduce reading concepts to students. A word wall needs to be prominently displayed in the classroom so that students have a chance to see, read and use the words on a regular basis. Teachers should include words that students already know as well as those that the student will learn.
The Word Wall is a great way to introduce and review phonics rules as well as teach students beginning dictionary skills. Teachers need to encourage students to use the words up on the word wall in their journals and to check the spelling as they write by referencing the wall. Find an excuse to refer to the word wall on a daily basis, even if it is a simple review of words.
It is important that teachers use all the resources available to them to teach students how to read. Emerging readers need to be introduced to the written word early and frequently and taught that reading is fun and even exciting!
Find out more about teaching students how to read, including tips on teaching students with reading disabilities.
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