Health and other associated issues - Tips, Information and Guides
Reading to Learn: Turning Kids into Lifelong Learners
by: Aldene Fredenburg Along about third grade, children reach a level of reading competency
which allows them to read independently for the purpose of gathering information
and learning new skills. At this point, a whole world opens up to them. They are
developing the tools to pursue interests of their own, and wise teachers and
parents will take advantage of this phenomenon to build on their
children’s educational success. Poetry and fiction are always favorites among children: case in point, the
unprecedented success of the “Harry Potter†novels. But kids are
thirsty for knowledge about people and places around the world, as well as
history, science, math, and art. A varied collection of books and magazines in
the classroom will keep exciting information at students’ fingertips. A
scheduled weekly trip to the school library, with lessons on how to find books
and research specific topics, offers skills that children will use throughout
their school career and beyond. Kid-friendly online search engines provide more
opportunities for students to research their favorite interests. Targeted book reports and a plan for integrating the curriculum can help
expand learning for every member of a class. For instance, say the kids in a
classroom are studying Greek mythology; providing a variety of books and
magazines on the topic, as well as on the history, social structure, scientific
and mathematical concepts, and literature of ancient Greece can be the basis for
an exciting group learning experience. Children can choose a book or magazine
article and write a report to present to the class; other children can write
poems or short stories based on what they’ve read, or paint or draw
pictures. These creations can be presented to the class during a sharing time,
and then, using a computer and printer, copied and distributed to every member
of the class so each student can create a book or notebook of the work of the
entire class. Students may want to expand on their work by illustrating another
child’s report or poem, or by writing a story based on someone
else’s drawing. Additional topics can be chosen for independent research,
and the end product can be put on display for other students’ use in the
classroom, and even for inclusion in the school library. Learning on display: a great motivation for lifelong learning Displaying students’ work in the classroom and the school library
helps create an environment where learning is valued and the learner recognized;
looking beyond the school environment can bring an entire community into the
process. Consider creating a place in the local public library where
children’s work can be displayed, and work with the librarians to create
student readings. A local for-profit or public access TV station may also find
it valuable to cover school events which incorporate student works; by middle
school, children may even be in a position, properly supervised, to help produce
public access programs about their school. Particularly in areas where schools
have trouble motivating students to learn, this kind of public exposure can only
help excite children (and their parents) about their school and their own
learning process. It’s important in any project involving student learning that kids
of all ability levels are included; books and magazines need to reflect the
varying abilities of the children in a class, and if a class is going to focus
on public display of student work, then all levels of work need to be respected
and presented in a dignified manner. Students involved in the production end of
creating a classroom book on a particular topic can be credited in the book;
children who contribute to a public access program can receive an on-screen
credit. The idea is to praise both the work process and the creative end product
of learning activities, and to give kids the idea that their learning, and their
effort, matter.
About The Author
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New
Hampshire, who has written numerous articles for local and regional
publications. She may be reached at
amfredenburg@yahoo.com. |
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