Final Synthesis Blog Post

Before this class began, it was very difficult for me to imagine how I would implement literacy instruction into my content areas; math and science. Previously, I solely viewed math as computing numbers to get an answer to the problem, and science as the study of the natural and physical world through observations and experiments. I never would have thought that I would need to teach literacy strategies in addition to my content areas for my students to be successful in my classroom; however, I will admit, I was wrong.
This semester, I first learned the importance of strategically picking textbooks that suit a teacher's teaching style and how important role textbooks really play for both the teacher and the student. Daniels and Zemelman relay "textbooks continue to be overused and should be supplemented generously or replaced with other reading materials where possible" and I think we can all agree on that(2004, p.52). Too often, in my experience, I practically relied on the textbook to give me all my answers to any question I had in that subject area because it was what the teacher relied on as well. This task becomes very tedious after a while because "textbooks are designed to inventory huge amounts of information..."(Daniels & Zemelman, 2004, p.54). Students quickly lose interest because reading these textbooks becomes very boring and hard to comprehend the information given. Now, this is not me saying that we should do away with all textbooks; however, I believe it is important that I keep this in mind when picking what reading materials I will use in my future classroom, as it plays a key role in my students' learning. I want to implement materials such as workbooks, podcasts, and videos that all relate to my content area and the topic we are discussing. The resource blogs we worked on all semester will definitely be something I resort back to when finding these materials. I believe this will really help keep my students engaged and perhaps even learn something in the process!


Another aspect to this semester that I will continue to use not only in my future classroom but life is the: Before, During, and After reading strategies. Ironically, I discovered that I actually utilized some of these strategies in my prior readings, I just never realized until this class. Strategies like "promote self-monitoring" that allow students to "clarify confusion only if they stop to notice when this happens.", which is essential during reading strategy (Daniels & Zemelman, 2004, p.281). I think it is important for students to become aware of this strategy as it will allow for less confusion and difficulty as they engage with a text. I've learned that teachers often rush a text, simply so they can get through the material. In turn, this forces students to rush and not fully grasp the content. If we, as teachers, really promote this self-monitoring strategy students will (hopefully) slow down and understand the text.

In addition to self-monitoring, I learned it is important to be able to retell what one just read. In my personal experience, I know I could read an entire chapter and not be able to tell you one thing I read. This lack of reading comprehension could very well be a reason why our students do not enjoy reading. However, if we promote self-monitoring and chose readings that engaged the students, a child's reading comprehension is a lot more likely to increase.

Unfortunately, there is this certain stigma around being a teacher and how "easy" it is to be one. If I've learned anything from this course, it is- teaching is anything but easy. We have to not only teach our content, but we have to incorporate/teach literacy strategies all while building a connection with each student. Though it might be a very tedious, time-consuming, and difficult position, it might also be the most rewarding job of them all (but I'm biased!).

While this course has considerably challenged me mentally, I really would not have changed a thing, as I believe I'm a better teacher for it. 

It's been real Nick, thanks for everything.

One last time- good night!
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