Entry #1

      I spoke with a kindergarten teacher about her philosophy on teaching literacy. She feels there are a number of strategies that are crucial to helping her students succeed, especially students learning English as a second language.  Providing visuals as well as using actions (pointing to words or pictures, acting out a verb, etc.) are two elements she feels her students need in order to build vocabulary for the stories they are reading.  Whenever reading a book a picture walk should be included along with dicussion to generate background knowledge.  Labeling around the room allows students to build their vocabulary along with including a sketch for written vocabulary words that students come across when they are reading or possibly use in their writing.  She also feels it is imperative for students to have repeated readings of books.  This allows them to hear the new vocabulary a number of times so that it can begin to stay in their memory and also builds fluency.  Pairing students up with partners and allowing them to talk about what they are reading or going to write about provides them opportunities needed to build language.  When teachers include all of these strategies throughout their day, she feels it gives students a definite opportunity for success in all areas of literacy.
     I agree with this philosophy.  Her philosophy includes elements that are essential for ELA students and all students to have success in all content areas, but especially literacy.