Why I became a Reading Specialist
The problem of illiteracy has always fascinated me. Why is it so difficult for some students to master such basic ,“natural” skills , isn’t it like breathing? Well of course in my family it appeared to me that reading was acquired naturally. As I encountered struggling readers in my experience as a teacher, I realized that the process of becoming competent readers was indeed a complex one. My interest led me to experimentation with resources and approaches , to critically assess my beliefs about struggling readers and to question some of the decisions that our school made on their behalf .
I felt I needed to know more and to do more to serve my community as a qualified professional , as a Reading Specialist, I believe that I would be able to contribute to critical decisions made to alleviate the suffering of those who struggle to read as well as enhance the competencies of those who can .
Mary Grant
Very interesting post!!
ReplyDeleteI especially liked reading about what motivated you to become a reading specialist. It was refreshing to read this especially with ALL the work we have to do sometimes the focus is lost. At least the core focus. Lost especially with respect to managing time for work(school and study) and personal life.
It is my firm belief that you will be able to positively contribute !!! :)
Hi tell me if I got through.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, we are indeed on the same page! As reading specialists we really have to be knowledgeable and skilled in order to make informed decisions where struggling readers are concerned and also to plan work to help them improve. It is with teachers like you that we can start to "chip" away at the illiteracy problem in our country.
ReplyDeleteYes! I feel that we are indeed on the same page. Mary, when I first came into teaching I felt like you and admittedly I still feel that way sometimes as I encounter different challenges with my students. Sometimes I can't help but ask myself "But why can't they...". Yes, I still have these moments. Just like you I began experimenting with different ways to reach the children because I felt that this just should not be. As a Reading Specialist I hope to bridge the gap that seems to exist in the minds of the students and in the policyholders as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI hope that the system will allow us to do the task for which we are being trained. So many times programmes have been organized and then nsomething goes wrong with the implementation. It would certainly be a pity. We are so needed.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThat is so true too many implementation programme have gone by the wayside and teachers are left wondering what went wrong. After teaching for so many years I have come to the realization that reading is not 'a kiss in hand' as many may believe it to be. Various approaches and strategies have to be used since children learn in different ways. As a reading specialist it is my desire to enable my student to read efficiently and fluently.This programme will enable me to do so effectively.
Joan
I too have been fascinated by the early acquisition of the skills needed for reading. As a matter of fact, I use to feel as if something in my teaching portfolio was missing, especially when I had to help my own children and those in my class with reading difficulties.
ReplyDeleteIt felt like being in New York City one morning feeling lost because you couldn't tell which direction was East or West, far less for North or South.
The road in becoming a "Reading Specialist" has given me a sense of direction since I now know where and how the reading process begins and the "flight" needed to produce happy readers.
Vicky
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteThank God we are all in this together, sharing the same sentiment. You know what bothers me, the thought that I spent two years in college and felt so inadequate, not knowing where to start to implement a programme. At least this course has shed some light and now with the use of the internet, knowledge is available out there for teachers to access and make an effort to address their shortcomings. The only thing that is really needed is a commitment and the will to do what is necessary.
Hi Starchild,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely enjoyed reading the blog. I find your motivation to be a reading specialist absolutely refreshing. I believe that the students in our Masters class have so much in common but we are rarely afforded the opportunity to discover this. That is, until now, thanks to the blogging experience. Be encouraged, we all in this and learning together!
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteYour blog ring so much truth. Your motivation to became a reading specialist is powerful and similar to mine. You see I teach at one of the Secondary schools that is considered "high Risk" and the literacy level is so low that I was shocked at first, and it amazed me that the government was not doing anything about it. I was happy and excited when I heard the initiative of the then government to award scholarship to teachers in the area of a Masters in Reading. What will disappointed me is if they do not use use to improve literacy in our schools. Our nation is suffering because of this problem. If the government do not want to do something about it then we as a group should.