I have been privileged to be exposed to books and reading at quite an early age. I emulated my dad an avid reader who collected materials from magazines newspapers etc. Quite frankly I just love to read. Reading came naturally to me and provided me with a getaway.When I read I become part of the written word and the adventures and experiences they provide. Words intrigue me and the realization that many of the children under my tutelage are unable to comprehend reading matter, identify simple words or even pronounce them brings a great sadness to me.
I have been a primary school teacher for many years and have taught infants to standard five. Throughout my career I have always encountered pupils with varying reading abilities but in recent times the number of pupils experiencing serious reading problems have increased tremendously. This has led me to investigate the reason for the problems and to search for possible solutions. I want to provide the weak pupils with the skills needed to survive and to encourage, enhance and widen the scope of those who are already able to read.
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ReplyDeleteHi Priscilla,
ReplyDeleteI do hope that you are fine. Reading your blog made me feel as though I was reading mine. I have also taught from Infants Year One to Standard Five. I have found that at all levels there are pupils with reading problems. Some teachers like to play the ‘blame game’ instead of genuinely helping students. Like you Priscilla, they should try to investigate the source of the reading problem and then work feverishly to help the students. I have toiled day after day teaching phonics and sight words to pupils with problems. Other teachers throw their hands up in the air. Priscilla, we should try to encourage our colleagues to teach reading and teach it again.