The Gift of Literacy…It’s Never Too Late!
I have the PRIVILEGE of providing literacy support at my school. Here are some truths that I believe in.
THERE’S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL..BUT THERE IS IN LLI
From the movie: A League of their Own
LLI is meant to be an intensive 18 week, daily program. Eventually it comes to an end. The moment should be happy, the students that leave are now reading at grade level (or very close). Yet, it’s hard. Reading is not just about decoding and comprehension, it’s also about relationships. The bonding is huge, the stories are funny, as a group we learn more about each other than we ever would. I had a student cry on Friday, “No, it can’t be over!” I have to admit, I was holding back tears. Yet, I can watch this student grow and absolutely knock it out of the park for years to come! It’s worth the tears.
LESSON: Relationships, the 4th R. Realize that teaching is an extension of your heart!
ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN THE LITERACY CLUB
Dav Pilkey author of DOG MAN. He created Captain Underpants from the drawings he created in the hallway while kicked out of class.
The students in grades 5 , 6, 7 impressed me this week. They “rocked” their reading tests. While some students admit they “don’t read”, there are others that work hard to improve. These students tell me that they read at home and demonstrate an understanding that reading unlocks their future.
We need to remember that some famous authors were late to reading. Here is a list of 25 that have Dyslexia,. Students might recognize Patricia Polacco (#14) and Dav Pilkey (#6). Dav Pilkey writes Captain Underpants and Dog Man.
The struggling readers I talk to all read Dog Man. Interesting, I think so, very much!
LESSON: Sometimes it takes a while for students to settle into literacy, find their strengths and adapt to their challenges. Make sure you are there to catch and guide them through that journey.
OFF TASK or AWESOME MOMENTS – YOU NEED TO DECIDE
Apparently Germans can’t say “squirrel”. Isn’t that nuts! True story.
Wait, I was off task. But I made you laugh.
Now back to me…Should we always redirect students who struggle?
With some struggling learners the answer is …no or not yet!
For example, I support a student with extra help in math and reading. He told me as we worked on his math, that he has been writing a story in English class. He went on to express all the books that have inspired him and what he was borrowing for his story. I was blown away! I knew this was a MOMENT, a make it or break it moment. Did I say…hey let’s get back to math? No, instead, I was ALL over his writing ideas. I knew that his writing motivation was new and fresh. I want these kids who express a writing bug to fly with it. I also know that students are sharing this because they know I appreciate it. I need to express that appreciation right back.
LESSON: Jump on any inclination of subject love! It might be the start of something big.
Please feel free to share your bits of awesome literacy moments. I will appreciate it 🙂
Until Next Time,
Love Coach Clark 🙂
