[Editor’s note: This is the third post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure reading comprehension and fluency. To read the first part, go here. To read the second part, go here.] If a child’s primary language is ASL (American Sign Language), does this enhance or expedite the acquisition of … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 3 (ASL and Literacy)”
The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 2 (Phonics Instruction)
[Editor’s note: This is the second post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure effective reading comprehension and fluency. To read the first part, go here.] Chamberlain & Mayberry (2000) indicate that reading requires two related abilities. First, you must be familiar with a language. Second, you must understand the … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 2 (Phonics Instruction)”
The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 1 (Overview)
[Editor’s note: This is the first post of a five-part series on the deaf and educational interventions to ensure reading comprehension and fluency.] Chamberlain & Mayberry (2000) indicate that reading requires two related abilities. First, you must be familiar with a language. Second, you must understand the mapping between that language and the printed word … Continue reading “The Deaf and Reading Comprehension – Part 1 (Overview)”
Addressing Subvocalization
According to Merriam-Webster, subvocalization, a term first used in 1925, is defined as “the act or process of inaudibly articulating speech with the speech organs.” When used in the context of reading, subvocalization refers to the habit of reading along with the printed text using your “inner voice” to form the words instead of silently … Continue reading “Addressing Subvocalization”
The Many Traits of Critical Thinking
We’ve talked a number of times about the need for students to use critical thinking to effectively evaluate and process new knowledge [see here and here]. It helps, though, to understand the specific steps that make up the critical thinking process. Here are nine steps, adapted from an infographic designed by Mentoring Minds. Examine Use … Continue reading “The Many Traits of Critical Thinking”
Savvy Strategies for Integrating Technology into the Classroom
In a past blog post, we described the efforts of teachers trying to integrate technology and technological tools into their classrooms. Then came the pandemic, with an abrupt shift to distance learning that, by definition, was technology-dependent and a game-changing experience. Now our knowledge of educational technology has skyrocketed, along with a host of strategies we … Continue reading “Savvy Strategies for Integrating Technology into the Classroom”
Balancing Literacy: What Makes for Good Reading Instruction?
In a September 8, 2021 opinion post, Education Week described two educators’ concerns over the polarization of literary instruction and the distortion of the term “balanced literacy” from its original meaning.[1] To address the former, we have to look no farther than the hotly debated “war” between phonics and whole-word instruction, which we dealt with … Continue reading “Balancing Literacy: What Makes for Good Reading Instruction?”
The Importance of Scaffolding in Reading Instruction
Scaffolds in education are like scaffolds on a building: they serve as a supporting framework for the structure. Unlike differentiated instruction, which adjusts texts to students of differing abilities, scaffolding strategies can be used with all students, including students who struggle with reading at grade level. Scaffolding as an instructional concept was first mentioned in … Continue reading “The Importance of Scaffolding in Reading Instruction”
Teaching All the Foundational Reading Skills
Learning to read is a complex process — as is teaching reading skills to young learners. Most of the debate about the best approach seems to center around the whole-word approach versus phonics, with the latter being the better supported. However, according to a recent post in Education Week, that debate misses out on the … Continue reading “Teaching All the Foundational Reading Skills”
Challenges Facing Returning to In-Person Instruction
In its August 3, 2021 blog post, Education Week asked a number of teachers the following question: “What do you think will be some of the challenges for teachers who might be returning to the physical classroom for the first time in a year and a half, and what are your ideas for how they … Continue reading “Challenges Facing Returning to In-Person Instruction”