Ch.2 & 3 in WK

BOOK
"...remember that anyone can struggle given the right text. The struggling isn't the issue; the issue is what the reader does when the text gets tough." (Ch. 2; p. 14)

"Not being able to read can mean a range of things, depending on the student's strengths and weaknesses." (Ch. 3; p. 24) "Teachers- not programs- are the critical element in a student's success." (Ch.3; p. 38)

RESPONSE
On pages 14 and 15 it described different struggling readers. I really liked reading about this because it is true. The "struggling reader" isn't just the person who sits slumped over in his/her seat or the one who sits at the back of the room. Anyone can struggle with a text. This is important for teachers and students to understand. I really liked the last part of this quote when it said the struggle isn't the issue; the issue is what the reader does when the text gets tough. This came to my attention on the fist day of class when I defined myself as a struggling reader and Dr. Saldana disagreed. I hadn't put thought to that or taken that perspective. Now I understand and agree. This chapter also mentioned teaching students to "struggle successfully with a text". I still think I struggle but I guess I struggle successfully.

Every student is different. What causes one student to not be a successful reader does not mean that same cause is why another student is not a successful reader. Every student has their own strengths and weakness which results in differentiated instruction. Teachers need to recognize their students as individuals. One method may work on one student but it may not work on another. Later in this chapter it mentions how the teachers, not programs are the critical element in a student's success. It can be very easy to get attached to this "high-tech/super advanced world" we live in today. Being a teacher is stressful and with it comes a lot of responsibility. It's easy just to put in a program and say "here, watch it and do this worksheet" or "take this computer test that says you have completed the phonics task for today and go back to your desk". The technology and programs can be great aids however the teacher above all is the most influential and is the one that can make an impact on a child's life.