It was interesting to see research that shows how far behind some tamariki are with the numbers of words they have been exposed to and how it affects them. Learning about the digital tools we can add to our kete in class to help our students was excellent.
The biggest takeaway was that I was doing some things right. I teach morphemes explicitly and vocabulary daily. There are a lot more I can be doing and the best part of this course is that it isn't just theory and you're left to figure out how that needs to be made into practical lessons, they GIVE you the lessons you could use (as suits your tamariki).
I look back at my university training and whilst interesting, valid and essential for background knowledge, it did lack in practical day to day "how does this work in a classroom of tamariki" preparation. I have had an amazing team around me, my mentor teacher was the best and her advice was outstanding. My colleagues have been (and still are) incredible too in helping with day to day questions and pushing me to be better all the time, sharing resources and ideas. This course however, has so many research backed "solutions" that are helping us all on this PLD to take us to the next level.
I don't do a particularly good job at pre-reading activities. This is something I will be working on. I do it in Guided reading though to pre-empt any issues with understanding the text. I have a wall with morphemes on it, I am going to upgrade this to a full word wall with relevant words both myself and the tamariki have "discovered"!
The importance of vocabulary cannot be understated. The 80% impact is something I have previously discussed in my blog - 2023 PGC - Noticing & Reflecting Natalie Wexler, author of "The Knowledge Gap" and co-author of "The Writing Revolution" has looked at research around knowledge (content and topic) being taught in schools which boils down to vocabulary ultimately and using it. Those with better background knowledge on topics who are poor readers can do better than those kids with great reading skills but little background knowledge on a subject - despite being better readers. If you don't know anything about the terms used in cricket (googly, wide, wicket, silly mid off) you may not comprehend a passage about a game even if you are a genius. Words matter. Knowledge matters.
I am now more confident to choose the words that tamariki may have issues with - could they survive reading this text if they don't know what these words mean??? I am excited to implement this in class. I wish we had the kids for 10 hours a day I'm that excited. With no disruptions! Ha!! But at least now the time I do reading with them I will be doing my very best with research behind me to support what I am doing.
Kia ora Vicki
ReplyDeleteWell, your enthusiasm and love for Vocab is just what the students need to see - our lucky tamariki! :)
I still take something new away from this day, even though this is my third time through the programme - it is such a thought provoking day and I am so pleased that you enjoyed it!
I am going to try to implement pre-reading activities too. This is definitely something that I could improve with.
Have a lovely break,
Anna