I believe it is easy for teachers to assume that reading comprehension is something only addressed in ELA classrooms. However, this assumption couldn’t be any further from the truth. The example in the beginning of Chapter 11 was a clear example of this. Since the students didn’t understand what the physics problem was asking, they did not know how to solve it.
As a future math teacher, it is crucial that my students understand math problems in order for them to determine what it is asking and how to solve it. Chapter 11 describes six helpful strategies for struggling readers. Although they are all great, “Creating supportive relationships” was the strategy that stuck out most to me.
I think that it is no coincidence that “Create supportive relationships” is the first strategy listed. Having a supportive relationship with each student is the foundation of creating a safe space in the classroom. Daniels states, “If students experiencing difficulty are going to take the risk and give math or science or a foreign language a new try, they need to know that you’ll be there to help, and that they’re in a safe place where they won’t suffer further hurt if they don’t succeed on the first attempt” (280). Creating a comfortable environment leaves room for trial and error for students; the more comfortable or safe they feel in a classroom, the more inclined they will be to try new things and take risks where they are experiencing difficulty.
Growing up in school, I was very shy. I hated answering questions out loud for fear of being wrong, so I mainly remained quiet, even when I didn’t fully understand a concept. I wasn’t comfortable with taking a risk or being wrong in the classroom, and I feel like it hindered my learning to an extent. Because of this experience growing up, I feel that it has made me more aware to similar situations that could potentially happen in my future classroom. This is why I feel like building supportive relationships with students is a key strategy for helping struggling readers.
I completely agree with you. I selected the same strategy and quotation for my response as well. As we discussed in class I think an excellent way to create a supportive environment is to ask students who answer questions, “how do you know?” This way students who are shyer like you and I both were feel more comfortable and that it is ok to be wrong.
ReplyDeleteWord count:66