Teaching Reading for Children

Most people agree that reading is essential for children in order to develop and grow in every aspect of their lives and prepare for the future. We recognize that reading also allows them to engage in lifelong learning and find fulfillment at every age and stage. Our question is, how do we get students to read? How do we teach and motivate children so that they care about reading—especially when they are surrounded by electronic distractions on every side?

One answer is found in understanding and applying the gradual release of responsibility described with the words to, with, and by. We must model reading to children and then engage in a variety of reading tasks together with them. Finally we must create an environment in which they can and will read by themselves.

This course will cover the importance of reading to, with, and by children. It will present practical approaches to shared and guided reading in both primary and intermediate grades. The course will discuss the importance of teaching skills in the context of real reading experiences. Content area reading (science and social studies), children’s literature, and organizing classroom time into workshop routines (classroom management) will be discussed.

Learning outcomes will include:

• Learn how to teach reading skills in context.
• Understand/explain the value of reading aloud.
• Be able to describe the essential elements of shared reading.
• Be able to explain, understand, and apply guided reading.
• Organize the classroom for effective silent sustained reading.
• Understand vocabulary compression, phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency.

In preparation for this workshop, you will need to bring three of the children’s books listed on the book list to read and discuss. (If you do not have access to the Internet, please call 801-422-2568 and the list will be sent to you.)

Instructor:  Brad Wilcox
Dates:  June 13—14 (M—T)
Times:  8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Room/Building:  2267 CONF
Limited Enrollment:  50
Tuition and Materials:  $227

Grading Criteria: Grades will be determined based on participation, attendance and in-class assignments; demonstrated applications of reading skills and context.