Random on Reading

I was doing some work on my "work" computer, and having a lot of difficulty with Microsoft Word. It continued to freeze, and as it was coming back to life, many documents were fluttering around the screen. My grad school life found its way back into my universe...

TOP 10 MOST IMPORTANT READING BEHAVIORS

1          1.  Level of engagement when reading independently

This is important because it helps a teacher to understand if the book is at an appropriate level, the material is high interest, and can the student regulate his/her reading without teacher assistance.

2          2.  Prior Knowledge

How much a student knows about a topic will be a major contributing factor to his/her success in understanding a text. If it is an unfamiliar concept, the vocabulary and content will be foreign, and difficult to connect with.

3          3.  Locus of Control

Does the student feel invested in reading because he/she attributes success to hard work, and failure to lack of effort? Does the student feel like every time he/she attempts to read that success is elusive?

4          4.  Motivation

Does the student understand why reading is important? Does the student have an ultimate goal in which reading plays an integral role?

5          5.  Sociocultural Expectations

Certain socioeconomic and cultural groups do not value reading as a way to improve their lifestyle. If there is no perceived link between reading and survival, then other things become a priority.

6.  Peer Group Association

      As students enter middle and high school, peer groups are more influential than   

      adults, and if reading is not a norm for that particular group, the individual

      members will not value it as a necessary skill.

      7.  Word Attack Skills

If a student struggles with basic decoding, he/she may not have access to “typical” literature, creating a barrier to reading for social reasons, and lack of interest in appropriately leveled material.

8.  Metacognitive Skills

How well a student is “thinking about reading” determines his/her ability to work with complex text, monitor his/her understanding, and apply strategies when a concept is unclear.

9.  Emotional Safety

Reading is a complex process, and students need to feel comfortable with the adults who are providing assistance in order to take risks and grow.

10. Emotional availability for learning

Students who come from homes in which they have nothing to eat, are surrounded by violence, and left to fend for themselves are often not in a position to engage in reading behaviors due to environmental distractions and immediate threats to survival.