The work of a reading specialist is wide and varied. One may wonder how can it be so when we are dealing with one area which is 'Reading' but, it is so because of the different people with whom we will have to interact and also, the different sets of information that we will have to share in order to improve reading competencies.
One of the main challenges that reading specialists will have to face is DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES. By understanding a child’s learning style, appropriate lesson planning can take place so that pupils will develop reading fluency, comprehension , vocabulary and word –attack skills.
The reading specialist may also have to ASSIST PARENTS AND TEACHERS in understanding and applying reading strategies with the students. She may also have to HELP LIBRARIANS to select appropriate reading material for the pupils.
Very important also is the fact that reading specialists are in a better position to MAKE READING FUN in order to motivate all pupils to read. The use of technology is certainly one way in which we can make reading fun and interesting.
Are you up to the challenge?
If you wish to learn more about the role of a reading specialist, you can access the following site: www.readingrockets.org/article/78
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ReplyDeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your contributions very much. I believe that the job of the Reading Specialist is a tremendous one. This is mainly so because of the numerous challenges that Struggling Readers face as well as the complexity of the underlying causes of their problems. I think that the diagnosis of reading difficulties is the first major role of Reading Specialist.
What do you think Denise?
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate both comments. In my school, Shelly-Ann, we do not have a librarian as such, an OJT (On the job trainee) takes on that responsibility so like you, I try to assist her in the manner you identified. I also try to locate interesting books in the stores to recommend them to the staff for purchase. Last term, we bought "The Chronicles of Narnia."
In response to Genevieve's question, I totally agree with you that the DIAGNOSIS of reading difficulties is one of our major roles as reading specialists because when we find out the cause of student's individual reading problems then, and only then, will we be able to use the proper intervention strategies to help them become more proficient at reading.
I think that what we have to be cautious about is whether some teachers may begin to take us for granted and leave the teaching of reading solely on our shoulders. What are your views on this?
Hi everyone! I have to agree with Denise, in that the work of a reading specialist is very demanding and complex. I think I may have underestimated what is really involved to some extent. However, as this course progresses, like many people, I am getting a real grasp of what the portfolio of a reading specialist really entails.
ReplyDeleteOne of the main things I think we need to be mindful of, is that reading specialists are new to many education systems. The Caribbean and indeed Trinidad & Tobago are indeed are cases in point. In some territories, such as the United States, they are even known by different names, for example literacy coaches. Vacca & Vacca (2008) note, that there is still no standardization regarding titles for reading professionals globally. Additionally, they note that a document entitled “Standards for Middle and High School Literacy Coach,” compiled by the International Reading Association, (IRA, 2005) is the key document used to outline and standardize the roles and functions of reading professionals.
I think that such issues regarding standardization, hints to us that the job of a reading specialist is indeed very “chequered” in a sense; incorporating a variety of functions which may/may not be clearly defined on paper. Reading professionals must therefore be extremely committed, prepared to work very hard and open to change. So we must really search deep within ourselves and truly consider if we are indeed “...up for the challenge?”
Regards,
Abigale Singh
Hi Denise,
ReplyDeleteGood day to you. I agree that reading specialist may have to help the librarians at various schools. At my school, I have found myself assisting the librarian with choosing books for my pupils to read. Denise because of my role as teacher, I know the reading level of each child. It is therefore easy for me to select a book for a pupil. In the absence of the class teacher and in the presence of a reading specialist, the reading specialist can perform the selection role for a pupil, providing that they are aware of the child's reading level. Maybe, the Reading Specialist can assist the librarian in organizing the collection of books into categories such as Level One books, Level Two books and so on.