Hi Beth, It is interesting that we can be unable to read a word out loud, but still be able to comprehend what it means within a context. Likewise, the ability to say or sound out a word doesn't indicate mastery or understanding of a word. Do you find that reading is a good way for your ELLs to pick up and expand on their English vocabulary? When they encounter words that they don't know, do you discuss it with them or direct them to a dictionary? Do you think one of those methods is more effective and solidifying their new knowledge of a word than the other?
Beth-- Reading is one way that people can learn. To think about the question one step further, what are the processes involved in reading that are involved in learning?
Interesting example with your ELL students who can say the word, but they have no idea what the word actually means. This is such a good reminder for us because often teachers ask their students to write down vocabulary definitions or to actually say the words. We praise students with good grades for this, but it doesn't' necessarily mean that they understood the words/text.
With the ELL students I work with, if we are group reading, we stop and try to define the word as a group, to keep the flow of reading. With their spelling words they are required to look up the definitions of each. One interesting thing I am noticing with one student in particular; she has learned how to look up the meaning, spell the word, etc, but often cannot read the definition, and sometimes she even struggles to read the word. Generally I do not work with her group; they work when I am on lunch, but the few times I am in there I make sure they are reading the words allowed and not just "going through the motions" to get their work completed. Simply being able to copy words from a dictionary will not help her increase her vocabulary.
The most important process that is involved in reading and learning is the cognitive understanding of language. Acquiring vocabulary is a crucial part of learning. The learning process, as well as the reading process, really depends on the ability to comprehend the information that is coming at them.
I appreciated hearing you experiences with ELL students. I would like to teach overseas one day and you have given me plenty to consider and ponder. In the elementary classroom where I am observing I have had the opportunity to help non-native speakers read books and it has been quite a rewarding experience.
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ReplyDeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that we can be unable to read a word out loud, but still be able to comprehend what it means within a context. Likewise, the ability to say or sound out a word doesn't indicate mastery or understanding of a word. Do you find that reading is a good way for your ELLs to pick up and expand on their English vocabulary? When they encounter words that they don't know, do you discuss it with them or direct them to a dictionary? Do you think one of those methods is more effective and solidifying their new knowledge of a word than the other?
Beth--
ReplyDeleteReading is one way that people can learn. To think about the question one step further, what are the processes involved in reading that are involved in learning?
Interesting example with your ELL students who can say the word, but they have no idea what the word actually means. This is such a good reminder for us because often teachers ask their students to write down vocabulary definitions or to actually say the words. We praise students with good grades for this, but it doesn't' necessarily mean that they understood the words/text.
With the ELL students I work with, if we are group reading, we stop and try to define the word as a group, to keep the flow of reading. With their spelling words they are required to look up the definitions of each. One interesting thing I am noticing with one student in particular; she has learned how to look up the meaning, spell the word, etc, but often cannot read the definition, and sometimes she even struggles to read the word. Generally I do not work with her group; they work when I am on lunch, but the few times I am in there I make sure they are reading the words allowed and not just "going through the motions" to get their work completed. Simply being able to copy words from a dictionary will not help her increase her vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteThe most important process that is involved in reading and learning is the cognitive understanding of language. Acquiring vocabulary is a crucial part of learning. The learning process, as well as the reading process, really depends on the ability to comprehend the information that is coming at them.
I appreciated hearing you experiences with ELL students. I would like to teach overseas one day and you have given me plenty to consider and ponder. In the elementary classroom where I am observing I have had the opportunity to help non-native speakers read books and it has been quite a rewarding experience.
ReplyDelete