The Role of our reading specialist
How does a reading Specialist help my child and the teacher...A reading specialist has many important roles that help struggling readers as well as guide teachers on how to use the newest, research-based strategies and curriculum to support each student at their independent reading level.
Some additional ways a reading specialist would benefit a school would be by helping assess readers and identify what each student needs as well as determine who will be providing specific interventions to each student (Helf, S., & Cooke, N. (2011). After deciding those critical steps, the reading specialist would need to teach the classroom teachers how to correctly use the specific curriculum that they will be using. A reading specialist also plays a critical role by organizing data and providing leadership to each teacher! HOW HAS LEARNING TO READ CHANGED OVER TIME? Many new reading/writing theories are different than the way reading was previously taught. Instruction used to focus on whole group and all learners learn the same. Newer teachings focus on an individualized plan to help learners of all levels. |
What Reading theories are currently useful in the classroom...According to Reading Improvement, some components of the Balanced Literacy Theory include reading aloud, shared readings with the whole class, small group guided reading and independent reading. Within this, you practice vocabulary, fluency, phonemic awareness and phonics. Balanced Literacy includes the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening (Robinson, L., Lambert, M. C., Towner, J., & Carlos, J. (2016). The balanced Literacy Theory covers all major area of Language and this helps make it an effective tool to use with all students. What makes this theory even more effective is that it uses a variety of teaching approaches that can be used in the classroom. This ensures that many learning types will be covered when teaching reading or writing. Students need a combination of whole group, small group and independent practice to fully grasp and retain concepts (Reyhner, J. (2013).
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Helpful Writing Theories...The Balanced Literacy Theory is also a well-known approach to use with writing instruction. With this writing instruction intermediate teachers would use a writing workshop plan where teachers provide instruction on the various forms of writing, and students learn the basics of the writing process and then allow students time to write independently or with a partner (Reading A-Z). After independent writing practice time occurs, the teacher will meet one on one to conference about their progress and provide feedback on changes that may be beneficial. Writing prompts are often given when teaching various modes, but students may also benefit from picking writing topics of their own choice.
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Resources
Helf, S., & Cooke, N. (2011). Reading Specialist: Key to a systematic schoolwide reading model. Preventing School Failure, 55(3), 140–147. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/1045988X.2010.499392
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Reyhner, J. (2013). Balanced literacy essentials: Weaving theory into practice for successful instruction in reading, Writing, and Talk. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 59(4), 703–704.
Robinson, L., Lambert, M. C., Towner, J., & Caros, J. (2016). A Comparison of direct instruction and balanced literacy: An evaluative comparison for a pacific northwest rural school district. Reading Improvement, 53(4), 147–164. |