How You Read with Your Child May Matter as Much as When You Start
Jodie Shell • September 30, 2020
I recently attended a conference for educators. As the conference came to a close and we were getting ready to pack up, a woman approached me in the booth and wanted to know what GrapeSEED was all about. I started explaining the program and how it benefits young learners. She commented on how she loved the way the materials looked and that it seemed like something her three-year-old daughter would like. But then she caught me by surprise. “How do I get started with reading for my daughter? I don’t know what to do. Should I read to her? What do I read?” She was a loving parent who wanted to do something to help her daughter with literacy, but she truly did not know how to get started.
She is not alone.
I later shared my conference experience with a librarian who told me that she was asked those same questions by a medical doctor – a highly-educated father with a Ph.D. – because he wasn’t sure when to start reading with his two-year-old son.
“When should I start reading with my child?” is a common question from many parents across all academic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has asked pediatricians to help spread the word on the importance of reading with children and starting early. According to the US Department of Education , “Reading aloud to young children is so critical that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors prescribe reading activities along with other advice given to parents at regular check-ups.”
So what should we tell parents when they ask, “When should I start reading with my child”? As soon as possible, even if she is a newborn! Your child hears the sound of your voice and begins learning the patterns of language as you read to her. Her communication skills start developing immediately, and reading to her will help nurture those skills as she grows.
But we can take it one step further by explaining to them that how they read with their child may be just as important as how early they start. By doing a few, simple things while reading together, caregivers can make a huge difference in their child’s comprehension and reading fluency. Here are some tips to share with any parent, grandparent, family member, or caregiver who spends time with a young learner, no matter their own literacy level.
- Read something with your child every day or as often as possible. It doesn’t have to be a children’s book; it can be a newspaper or magazine article or even a piece of mail (You might remember when twelve-year-old Mathew Flores asked his mailman for junk mail because his family couldn’t afford books or a bus pass to the library and he loved to read!).
- Read picture books, ask questions, and discuss what the pictures mean. This helps your child build an understanding of the meaning behind the words, build visual literacy skills , and make a connection to his own life. Picture books are also great for babies as their vision develops and they learn how to focus their eyes.
- Show your child the front and back of a book, as well as how to turn pages, read left-to-write, move from one line to the next, and other similar concepts known as concepts of print.
- Create a home library where your child can easily and safely access books. Swap or borrow books with friends and family. You can also find book drives, often at your local library or community center, where books are very inexpensive or free.
- Visit your local library as often as possible and ask your librarian for age-appropriate books, videos and programs. Libraries are expanding Story Time and other popular programs as the word is spreading about the benefits of developing early literacy skills; the library is playing a growing role in promoting this development.
- If your child is in day care or preschool, talk to the teachers, caregivers, or school librarians about reading with your child. They should have plenty of ideas, tips, and books or other materials for you to share with your little one.
- Encourage a life-long love of reading. Demonstrate how fun and rewarding reading can be by reading to yourself in the presence of your child. Also allow the child plenty of opportunities to read or look at books on her own. But above all, spend one-on-one time reading with your child, starting from birth or as early as possible.
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .
Welcome to the world of dynamic learning, where initiation and perseverance are the secret superhero skills every elementary school student needs! These executive function skills are the power-ups that help students start tasks with enthusiasm and stick with them until the very end. Let's dive into some creative ways to nurture these skills and make your classroom a hub of engaged learners! Why Initiation and Perseverance Matter: Cultivating initiation and perseverance in students is like giving them the keys to academic success. These skills not only help students tackle homework and projects but also prepare them for real-world challenges. By fostering these abilities, you're equipping your students with resilience and self-motivation that will serve them beyond the classroom. Strategies to Encourage Initiation: Start with a Bang : Kick off lessons with intriguing questions or exciting stories to capture students' curiosity. For example, "What if you woke up one day as a superhero? What would your first mission be?" Break It Down: Teach students to divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes starting less daunting and gives them a clear path forward. Choice Boards: Offer a variety of activities related to the lesson topic and let students pick their starting point. This autonomy boosts their interest and willingness to begin. Classroom Challenges: Set up light-hearted competitions where students can earn points or badges for starting tasks promptly. Who doesn’t love a little friendly rivalry? Building Perseverance: Praise the Process: Focus on effort and strategy rather than just results. Celebrate when students try different approaches and persist through difficulties. Goal Setting: Encourage students to set personal learning goals and track their progress. Seeing small wins adds up to big motivation! Reflection Time: Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned from their challenges. This helps them understand that every hurdle is a learning opportunity. Perseverance Stories: Share stories of famous figures who overcame obstacles. Discuss how perseverance played a role in their success and relate it back to students' own experiences. Fun Activities to Reinforce These Skills: Initiation Stations: Create activity stations around the classroom that students can choose to start with. Each station could have a unique, fun challenge that aligns with the lesson. Perseverance Puzzles: Use puzzles or brain teasers that require patience and strategy. Working through these together can be a rewarding class exercise. Story Time Heroes: Have students write short stories featuring characters who overcome obstacles through perseverance. This can be a creative writing exercise that doubles as a life lesson. Empowering students with the skills of initiation and perseverance transforms your classroom into a vibrant learning environment. By implementing these strategies, you'll help your students become proactive, determined, and ready to tackle any challenge with a smile. Here’s to a classroom full of unstoppable learners! If you would love to learn how GrapeSEED can positively impact your students, just click here!
