Finding that One Book!

Books are more than just ways to get information. They can also be a source of endless enjoyment. For some students, reading can be difficult, and they do not see the value of a good book. As teachers, we need to guide students to that one perfect book that awakens their imagination.

There are many books that have influenced me, starting with Little Golden Books: fairy tales. I first started to love reading when read about Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. Sleeping Beauty was my favorite. I loved the fairies and the magic. Fantasies are still my favorites. I loved losing myself in the magical lands that these stories took place. I wanted to go there someday. 

            Finding a child’s special book can take some time, but it is out there. The best way to start is to figure out the student’s reading level. When reading for enjoyment, you do not want a book that is too difficult. It will only cause frustration. In order for a book to appeal to a child, it needs to be interesting to that child. Finding out what the student likes and dislikes will make it possible to find a book that can capture the student’s attention.

            Reading is the most important skill a child must learn. Reading is how we get most of our information. It is also a great source of entertainment. All students need to be encouraged to find reading material that excites them. It is the only way they will ever become life-long readers. Teachers need to find books that appeal to their students’ interests, if they want their students to be successful.

My Opinion on a Teaching Scenario

The scenario is a teacher, Ms. Grant, turns down her student’s request for instruction on taking notes. Ms. Grant told her student that she can’t teach that because this is science class. My reaction to Ms. Grant’s reply was anger. A teacher’s job is to give their students all of the tools needed to complete an assignment. This student was asking for instructions and denied. How can this teacher expect her students to complete a task without the knowledge needed to perform all of the steps. I understand that note-taking is taught in reading class, but if Ms. Grant is expects the students to learn her lessons, she needs to give them at least an overview of note-taking so they can succeed.

           

If my student asked me “how to take notes,” I would give a brief explanation of proper note-taking, and then get back to the lesson. In my opinion, when a student asks how to do something, it is the teacher’s job to educate the student. I would not be able to turn my back on a student in need just because the question is not part of my subject. The question was not off base and pertained to the assignment. I would feel obligated to educate my student.

I feel it is important to explain the basics of note-taking. If students do not know how to take notes properly, then they will be ill equipped to complete the assignment. When students ask questions, they are looking for instruction, which is what a teacher is supposed to provide. Teachers need to give their students every tool they will need if they want the children to learn.

I realize teachers are on a tight schedule, and adding something that is not in their curriculum can make it difficult to complete everything. However, it is better to take a few moments to help the students learn to take notes on lessons than it is to repeat the information over and over again because the students don’t remember. Teaching the students the basics will help them do better in class and on tests. That is the goal of a tea