This chapter was my favorite
chapter so far because it really taught me a lot. I have learned in the past
that repetition really helped remember vocab cards and made you a more fluent
reader but this chapter confirmed it. Whenever I learn a new word, it does not
matter if it is in a language class, history class or science class I always
make flashcards. I put the word on one side and the definition on the other and
I memorize it. I read through these cards repeatedly until I know the
definition. After I know the definition I try and apply it in context. This is
very similar to what this chapter is talking about. It says that you’re
supposed to pick out key vocab words as a teacher for your students to learn
the definition and be able to put it into context. Vocabulary is very important
and you never stop learning, even at the age of 21 I am still learning new vocabulary!
I have seen many of these examples
from the chapter in real life situations. For example, I have seen the vocab definitions
and drawings. I observed in a second grade classroom and during this time they
were learning a series of vocab words. They would put the word on a piece of
paper and draw a picture of the word under it so they could remember the
meaning of the word. This was very beneficial because the kids were able to
interpret the words anyway they felt best with their own specific pictures.
Another strategy from the chapter that I have witnessed in the same classroom
was the reader’s theater. This helps the student’s fluency in reading. When I watched
this in the classroom it seemed to help a lot of the students read out loud in
a non-stressful way. Each of the students each had a character and they were
able to pre-read their parts before starting the story. They were also all able
to count how many parts they had to reach which helped calm the nerves.
One part to this chapter that I was
not really a fan of was the virtual field trips. Field trips where you are able
to go to the historical landmark, museum, beach, marsh, art exhibit, etc, were
always the best. I always looked forward for the days that we got to leave the
classroom and school for the day to learn about something new. I think that
these virtual field trips can be great but only for the benefit of learning
about a place that you cannot physically field trip to as a class. The cost of
the field trip should not matter if the children are getting a better physical
experience!
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you brought your personal experience into this post. I completely agree with you, I am also 21, and I feel as if I don't and can't go a day without learning a new word. The world we live in is always evolving and changing, and there is always something new to learn.
I also thought it was very awesome that you were able to experience/observe children creating pictures for their vocab words, in a way so they can interpret those words. It is for sure a successful activity in my eyes, in which I one day hope to incorporate into my own classroom.
I also have to completely agree with you, I enjoyed the virtual fieldtrips, however it takes away from the learning experience the children can participate in when actually going on a field trip. The learning experience of actually going somewhere is in my mind a very crucial part in the children's learning.