Literacy—The Student as Reader, Writer, Speaker, and
Learning to Learn—the Student as Aware and Persevering Thinker
Effective learning hinges on mastering learning strategies and maintaining motivation This section emphasizes the importance of understanding how to learn, which fosters independence and encourages students to become lifelong learners The activities and concepts presented here aim to enhance these skills, ultimately supporting students in their educational journeys.
The question to be answered is: How can students learn how to learn on their own and be motivated to do so?
Curiosity serves as the fuel for learning, driving both short-term education and lifelong knowledge acquisition Intriguing or contradictory facts and ideas are powerful catalysts for sparking curiosity, making them ideal starting points for lessons or classroom activities Both teachers and students can uncover fascinating facts across various subjects, allowing these discoveries to stimulate deeper exploration This pursuit of understanding transforms discrepancies into coherence, embodying the essence of true learning As John Wheeler famously stated, "In any field, find the strangest thing and explore it," highlighting the importance of embracing curiosity in the educational journey.
Education Should Be an Itch Before a Scratch
Schema theory suggests that knowledge is organized in an interconnected network within the mind, with nodes representing various elements of this knowledge While each individual's knowledge schema is unique, there are common interconnecting points that can be taught These nodes encompass diverse categories such as concepts, facts, events, and skills across different subjects—math includes properties and problem-solving strategies, language features words and themes, social studies covers events and case studies, science involves experiments and theories, and the arts highlight styles and media These knowledge connectors allow learners to revisit, expand, and apply their understanding, evolving in accuracy and significance as their schema matures Teachers play a crucial role in facilitating this development by recognizing the structural nature of knowledge, providing access to these connectors, teaching their usage, and focusing on overarching concepts known as Big Ideas, a term popularized by Jay McTighe.
For many students, a teacher can seem like a high priest of knowledge, posing enigmatic questions and challenging tasks like, “What do you think about this story?” or “Analyze this problem.” However, teachers can simplify classroom discussions by helping students understand their cognitive processes Students in grades 1–12 can learn essential thinking types, or “mind actions,” which can enhance their analytical skills and comprehension.
The ThinkTrix thinking matrix typology outlines essential cognitive processes such as recall, similarity, difference, cause and effect, and evaluation By mastering these fundamental mind actions, students can formulate questions at various levels, interpret texts and tests, and generate their own test questions This comprehensive understanding empowers them to independently address the question, “How should my mind work to answer this question or solve this problem?” Consequently, they develop metacognitive skills, enabling them to consciously navigate problem-solving and answer formulation.
A teacher's primary objective is to cultivate critical thinkers and independent learners, which is evident in students' desire and ability to learn beyond the classroom Effective teaching fosters student perseverance and intrinsic motivation, essential for deep learning Additionally, students must develop learning strategies to navigate problem-solving, decision-making, inquiry, and creativity Intellectual independence is built on meta-knowledge, enabling students to understand their own learning processes Ultimately, students should utilize their cognitive skills as adeptly as a carpenter uses tools, applying them skillfully and strategically for successful learning outcomes.
“tools” are recall, similarity, difference, cause and effect, idea to example, example to idea, and evaluation (see thinking types in Glossary).
Effective problem-solving is an essential life skill, yet many approaches overlook the importance of examining underlying causes Commonly suggested steps, such as analysis and understanding the problem, often fail to guide students on how to think critically Additionally, the instruction to "define the problem" lacks clarity on what a well-defined problem entails By employing precise language, we can enhance these steps, making the problem-solving process clearer and more structured.
♦ State the problem cleanly without any reference to causes.
♦ State the effects of the problem Is the problem worth solving?
♦ List all the possible causes of the problem Are there hidden causes?
♦ Decide which cause[s] are the most important or weighted.
♦ Choose some of the causes to mitigate or eradicate.
♦ Design a solution that is directly related to the key causes.
♦ Think through the possible positive and negative effects of this solution.
♦ Redesign the solution if necessary.
♦ Try the solution and note the positive or negative effects.
♦ If necessary, rethink the entire process.
♦ If it worked, ask what can be learned by the success.
♦ Throughout the process ask what other situation or problem is similar.
See sample flowcharts in Appendix Figures A.2–A.5.
Flowchart It, Practice It, Let Them Do It
Imagine a classroom where students engage with content through visual thinking, utilizing a variety of 30 visual organizers or creating their own to connect ideas, examples, causes, and effects They collaborate individually, in pairs, or in groups of four, and after completing their Think Links, they label the types of thinking applied These visual maps often serve as blueprints for discussions or written compositions, enhancing their understanding and expression of complex concepts.
Mastering a skill or gaining expertise in a specific area can be a powerful motivator for individuals Many colleges and graduate schools center their programs around this concept, recognizing the value of expertise It's important to note that younger students are equally capable of excelling in their pursuits and possessing deep knowledge.
To kick off the school year, it is beneficial for students to identify and explore an area of interest over time, engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, and utilizing online resources Potential topics for investigation include black holes, historical battles, notable presidents, Greek terminology in English, renowned artists, influential figures, poetry, urban living, economics, chess, the American Revolution, sports, the causes of war, climate change, significant discoveries, mathematical anomalies, works of art, musical genres, essay writing, geology, animal studies, plant cultivation, roller coaster engineering, and cell biology, among many others This approach encourages students to become knowledgeable "experts" in their chosen fields.
At the end of the year, students can engage their peers in their specialties through interactive "festivals," allowing them to rotate between booths to ask questions and share knowledge This hands-on approach fosters curiosity, which is essential for effective learning, especially when it is relevant to the students The in-depth learning experiences gained during these festivals are likely to enhance participation in other classroom activities Additionally, as students reach an expert level in their subjects, the skills and knowledge they acquire will become invaluable.
Jerome Bruner described the concept of a "structure of knowledge," where student experts serve as a crucial node in a knowledge network This central node facilitates deeper learning, enabling students to not only grasp content more effectively but also to develop independent learning skills.
Interest at the Heart of Expertise
1 From The Process of Education, Jerome Bruner, Vintage Books,
People learn through inquiry, driven by questions such as what makes a great teacher, the role of Wait Time, and the causes and effects of conflicts and prejudice Understanding these concepts can illuminate the complexities of human behavior, including why people fake emotions and the dynamics of bullying Additionally, exploring how scientists formulate hypotheses, the formation of friendships, and the beauty of mathematics can enhance critical thinking Ultimately, addressing these questions can lead students to uncover Big Ideas, enriching their educational experience.
The most important aspect of students trying to answer
"Essential questions" empower students to collaboratively utilize their prior knowledge, transforming them into active knowledge creators rather than passive consumers By generating a cluster of responses and additional inquiries, students enhance their sense of agency and are more likely to become lifelong learners This process mirrors the experience of students who engage in original writing, fostering a lasting belief in their abilities as writers.
An effective method for assessing students' understanding of a hypothesis or theory involves having each student brainstorm potential causes, effects, analogies, and elements related to the question at hand The teacher plays a crucial role by modeling the use of familiar concepts to guide this brainstorming process.
Literacy—The Student as Reader, Writer, Speaker, and Listener
Literacy is essential for civilized behavior, and developing communication skills in students is crucial Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are interconnected, and educational environments should enhance all four aspects of literacy The success of a school hinges on ensuring that every student becomes a proficient communicator.
The question to be answered is: How can students best learn the crucial elements of communication?
Unfluff Their Brains; Read to Them ◆ 39
In A.A Milne's Winnie the Pooh, Rabbit remarks on the difference in intellect between himself and Owl, highlighting the notion that true wisdom often comes from unexpected sources, such as Pooh, the Bear of Very Little Brain Pooh and his friends encourage us to embrace humor and humility, helping us shed the pride that clouds our judgment The enduring impact of stories read to us in childhood is profound; unlike fleeting movies, these tales transport us to different worlds and allow us to connect deeply with characters like Robin Hood, Charlotte and Wilbur, and Harriet Tubman Through these narratives, we not only remember the stories but also become part of them, enriching our understanding of life and humanity.
Ethical decisions are often shaped by the influential narratives found in the stories we read The knowledge that literature holds valuable lessons motivates us to engage with it independently Teachers who share compelling stories with their students play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading, ultimately contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.
“There was once a boy named Milo who didn’t know what to do with himself—not just sometimes, but always” 2 (The Phantom
Let Them Find Themselves in Books
1 From Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A Milne, E.P Dutton, 1926
2 From The Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster, Epstein & Carroll, 1961
Reading as Seeing With Hearing ◆ 41
Reading as Seeing With Hearing
Many young children, like a first-grader who recently expressed her amazement at learning to read without understanding how, acquire reading skills before entering first grade This phenomenon suggests that consistent exposure to reading, a rich environment filled with books, and visual engagement with text while listening are key factors in their learning process To enhance reading skills, classrooms should incorporate listening centers where students can hear stories while following along in the text Additionally, utilizing computer programs that read aloud can provide every child with daily opportunities for engagement By surrounding students with books, dedicating time for reading, assigning home reading tasks, and reading aloud daily, teachers can create an environment where children, much like the first-grader, may wonder about the magic of how they learned to read, ultimately making formal instruction more effective.
A Secret Hidden in the Obvious
Students often struggle with reading comprehension because traditional assessments focus on recall To enhance retention and understanding, it's crucial for students to discuss what they've read immediately after finishing Engaging in partner retelling helps solidify the material in their short-term memory, paving the way for effective comprehension assessments To deepen their understanding, students should create their own comprehension questions based on the ThinkTrix typology, allowing them to quiz each other or answer in writing This metacognitive approach fosters a more profound grasp of the reading material.
Of course, the teacher can make up the questions or they may already be in the text or on the test.
An author’s journey begins with the crucial first sentence of a story, often deemed the most significant line Students can analyze impactful opening lines from literature to understand their effectiveness and can experiment by crafting their own first pages or generating multiple opening lines for new stories By compiling a class collection of these beginnings, students engage in the writer's craft, fostering their own potential as writers This process enhances the teacher's role, as students recognize that writing is an achievable goal Furthermore, when teachers or students publish excerpts of their work, it transforms their perception of classmates into that of co-creators, enriching the collaborative spirit of the classroom.
On a rocky island, gulls awoke Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, who prided themselves on being perfectly normal You may not know about me unless you've read "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," but that's beside the point Once upon a time in Spain, there was a little bull named Ferdinand As I wandered through the wilderness, I stumbled upon a den where I laid down to sleep and dreamed a dream Meanwhile, a child wondered, "Where’s Papa going with that ax?"
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
1 From Johnny Tremaine, Esther Forbes, Houghton Mifflin, 1943
2 From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K Rowling,
3 From Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain, Chatto & Windus, 1884
4 From Ferdinand, Monroe Leaf, The Viking Press, 1936
5 From The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan, 1678
6 From Charlotte’s Web, E.B White, Harper & Brothers, 1952
Poetry serves as a soothing balm for the soul, making it essential to introduce it to students By incorporating the powerful lines and verses of poetry into the classroom, both students and teachers can nourish their spirits Encouraging students to embark on a quest for impactful verses fosters engagement, allowing them to share their discoveries in class.
The sea breaks upon the cold grey stones, reflecting the diverging paths of life, much like the palpable silence of a poem that evokes deep emotions Historical echoes resonate where embattled farmers once stood, igniting a shot that changed the world Seize the fleeting moments of beauty, for as the raven ominously declares, some things are destined to remain unchanged In the enchanting realm of Xanadu, a majestic dome was envisioned, alongside the sacred river flowing into the unknown The fierce beauty of the tiger contrasts with the gentle reminder to resist the inevitable, urging one to find peace at the threshold of a quieter existence The woods, enchanting yet mysterious, invite contemplation amidst their dark and deep allure.
In the realm of unfulfilled promises, I resonate with the emotions of a caged bird, reflecting on the disappointment of a fallen hero in Mudville The resilience of the human spirit is tested, as seen in the poignant tale of a father losing his cherished child Embracing anonymity, I question the nature of identity, inviting others to consider their own existence The historical echoes of Paul Revere's midnight ride remind us of the importance of vigilance, while the contemplation of deferred dreams raises questions about their vitality Ultimately, the haunting legacy of Wounded Knee serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by marginalized voices.
From the hunt for great lines of poetry may emerge a conscious love and a need for poetry.
1 From Break, Break, Break by Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1842
2 From The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, 1915
3 From Ars Poetica by Archibald MacLeish, 1926
4 From Concord Hymn by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1838
5 From To The Virgins to Make Much of Time by John Waterhouse, 1648
6 From The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe, 1845
7 From Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas, 1951
8 From Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1816
9 From The Tyger by William Blake, 1794
10 From To an Athlete Dying Young by A.E Houseman, 1896
11 From Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, 1923
12 From Sympathy by Paul Dunbar, 1899
13 From Casey at the Bat by Ernest Thayer, 1888
14 From To The Right Honorable William, Earl of Dartmouth by Phillis
15 From I’m Nobody by Emily Dickinson, 1891
16 From The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth
17 From Montage of a Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes, 1951
18 From American Names by Stephen Vincent Benet, 1927
Poetry encompasses sound, rhythm, imagery, and meaning, resembling music while offering personal expression It serves as a companion through life's joys and challenges, making it accessible for students to write, read, memorize, recite, and listen to Teachers face both a challenge and an opportunity in fostering a love for poetry among students, as believing in their ability to appreciate and create poetry can enhance motivation To cultivate this belief, educators must themselves develop an appreciation for poetry through reading and writing, which is essential for nurturing students' minds, regardless of their initial comfort level with the art form.
Classroom poetry should be relevant and relatable for students, starting with daily dramatic oral readings that highlight the connection between poetry and music As students share their favorite poems, the classroom atmosphere transforms, allowing for the integration of prose writing lessons and the publication of their work Memorizing poetry, often overlooked, provides students with a sense of accomplishment, fostering a deeper engagement with the art form As they progress through grades, these poems will remain with them, akin to memorable songs, leading to gratitude for the poetic challenges presented by their teachers Ultimately, this appreciation for poetry enriches their identity and voice, offering lasting benefits long after they leave the classroom.
I Had This Great Teacher Who
Reading is fundamental to classroom success, and fostering a passion for reading among students is essential This enthusiasm largely hinges on their choice of books Teachers can enhance this by reading daily to the class and selecting books tailored to individual interests A shared database of books that students have read or are currently reading allows both teachers and students to explore new titles and connect with classmates for recommendations After daily silent reading, students can engage in a "book selling" activity, where they briefly present their books to partners, guided by a structured format to maintain intrigue Additionally, selecting passages for the teacher to read aloud dramatically not only captivates the class but also serves as a writing model, further stimulating interest in reading.
To motivate students to read at home, it's essential to incorporate silent reading time in the classroom A well-stocked classroom library, along with a school media center featuring popular literature on display, can significantly enhance student engagement Instead of sifting through book spines, students are more likely to be inspired by curated selections Understanding each student's interests and providing access to quality literature are crucial for fostering a love of reading.
Reading—the Sine Qua Non
Book reports are a necessary part of education, but they can be reimagined to foster deeper literary engagement Instead of traditional formats, educators can encourage activities that promote genuine responses to literature, enhancing students' understanding and appreciation of the texts By implementing these innovative approaches, we can transform the way students interact with literature beyond the confines of conventional book reports.
♦ Recreate scenes in writing by visualizing and feeling into the scenes;
♦ Construct a character web of a character with traits/ feelings and examples;
♦ Extract a moral or main theme of the story and explain why it is;
♦ From a list of other books/stories, find the similarities in theme;
♦ Decide what events shaped a character in the story;
♦ Describe some choices/choice made by a character and the effects of the choice(s);
♦ Choose a character from the story and compare him/ her to a character from another story, perhaps in a visual
♦ Create a plot design of the story, using from six to ten words;
♦ Create questions about the story for themselves or others to answer;
♦ Make questions from at least four thinking types;
♦ Answer in writing or visually one of the questions they ask;
♦ “Sell” their book to a partner without revealing the plot.