In this series of podcasts "Teaching Reading in the First Year of School," expert literacy educator Diane Snowball discusses the components of a comprehensive reading curriculum for young learners. Across the series Diane emphasises the importance of all of these components of reading: phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, morphemic awareness, high-frequency words, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Diane highlights the significance of motivation and enjoyment in reading. She also discusses instructional strategies like Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Independent Reading, Interactive Writing, and Language Experience. Diane stresses the need for teachers to understand each child's unique experiences and abilities to tailor their teaching effectively.
Welcome to "Teaching Reading in the First Year of School," a series of podcasts dedicated to guiding educators through the essential components of a comprehensive reading curriculum for beginning readers. Join host Phil and literacy expert Diane Snowball as they delve into the critical aspects of teaching reading to young learners.
In this episode, Diane Snowball, a renowned literacy specialist, provides invaluable insights into constructing a well-rounded reading curriculum for early readers. Diane discusses some of the key elements, including concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, morphemic awareness, high-frequency words, the reading process, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and the significance of fostering motivation and enjoyment in reading. Other components are discussed in other episodes.
Diane emphasises the importance of varied instructional methods such as Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Independent Reading, Interactive Writing, and Language Experience Work. She shares her recent experiences working with the dedicated staff at Elsternwick Primary School, where collaboration and continuous learning among teachers have significantly enhanced the reading curriculum for foundation and grade one students.
Understanding the diverse reading abilities children bring to their first year of school is crucial. Diane highlights the necessity of individualised instruction based on students' unique experiences and knowledge. Through regular reading conferences, teachers at Elsternwick Primary School learn about their students' reading capabilities, enabling the teachers to tailor instruction to meet each child's needs effectively.
Diane also discusses the foundational role of concepts of print, including the one-to-one correspondence between spoken and written words. She explains how repetitive books with predictable patterns can aid children in developing these essential skills. Additionally, Diane stresses the significance of teaching phonological and phonemic awareness, helping children recognise sounds in language and how this can assist with reading.
To support educators, Diane offers practical strategies for teaching letters, sounds, and word recognition. She advocates for using a variety of texts and creating custom decodable books based on students' experiences and classroom learning. This approach not only reinforces phonics skills but also enhances students' motivation and engagement by involving them in the creation of their own reading materials.
Throughout the episode, Diane provides thoughtful advice on classroom management, ensuring that teaching practices are adaptable to the diverse needs of young learners. By building a strong foundation in reading, fostering a love for books, and addressing individual learning needs, educators can set their students on a path to successful and enjoyable reading experiences from the very beginning of their school journey.
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