Please enjoy this artice, which portays a clear picture! This is from a wonderful website called www.readingrockets.org a wonderful resource for teachers and parents!

"Learning to read is complex

Reading is a complex process that draws upon many skills that need to be developed at the same time. Reading expert Marilyn Adams compares the operation of the reading system to the operation of a car. Unlike drivers, though, readers also need to:

• Build the car (develop the mechanical systems for identifying words)
• Maintain the car (fuel it with print, fix up problems along the way, and make sure it runs smoothly)
• Drive the car (which requires us to be motivated, strategic, and mindful of the route we're taking)

Cars are built by assembling the parts separately and fastening them together. In contrast, the parts of the reading system must grow together. The ultimate goal of reading is to make meaning from print, and a vehicle in good working order is required to help us reach that goal."

Please enjoy this quote from Growing Readers, by Kathy Collins.

"I want all readers in my classroom to realize that they can read whether or not they can read the words in books. I want them to read the world. I tell them that when I'm on the subway, If I do not have my own book or newspaper, I read the signs on the subway and take sneak peeks at other people's newspapers. I urge them to do this everywhere: "try to be the kind of reader who reads everything he can get his eyes on in the world." I support students as they learn to read the environmental print around our classroom, our school, and our neighborhood. We also learn some short shared texts together, so that there is print in our room that everyone can read right away."

 - pp. 62

Emergent readers need to build confidence and feel comfort in the sometimes long process of learning to read. This week in Reader's Workshop, we worked with the students to pick appropriate books that will help the students build confidence as learners, and overll enjoy reading more. During direct instruction from the teacher, students worked on various skills - from initial sound activities to small book reading.