Daniels and Zemelman Chapter 11

Being a reading teacher can be difficult, especially when teachers contemplate how to help struggling student readers. Even in high school, students are seriously lacking reading skills. Students who should not be placed in CP level classes are because there are not enough teachers who can handle or teach basic/regular level classes. We as teachers must find a way to help our students strengthen their reading skills especially finding a way to help students who are struggling. Daniel and Zemelman’s book outlines a number of ways to provide assistance to struggling readers. Building a relationship wit h students is important. If students do not trust the teacher then students may not take the necessary risks associated with learning. Building a supportive relationship can be hard for teachers. I only see my students every other day and I often find myself mixing up who likes what or who like sto sit wherever.

Another great way to support struggling readers is to model the actions for them. This can work well in lower grades, but as the student gets older it may be more difficult. Freshman in high school are at an age where they view themselves as adults but lack the ability to conduct themselves in such a way. I do not think that reading to my class would be as well thought of by my students as it would be if I were a middle school or elementary school teacher. However, I do believe that reading to high school students can be very beneficial to students in lower level classes.  I also like the idea of providing books or articles on tape. If I know some of my students are struggling readers I can record myself reading articles I provide my students. I have found that most “newer” textbooks offer online guidance that can involve audio as well as text support for the textbook. This would be great for students who need help while at home and then I can help them once they come back to school. No matter how teachers choose to provide assistance to struggling readers the most important thing is that we need the ability to recognize that students are struggling so we can help them.