aleeshaawhitelock-blog

[aleeshaawhitelock-blog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl9JE3CmFok 

(fast forward to the 2min mark for reading of text). 

WEEK 9 Tumblr Post 

For my last Tumblr post I have chosen this clip which focuses on reading ‘The cat in the hat’ with expression and fluency. I really love the way in which the students in the clip draw on specific language skills needed to develop expression and reading fluency. The clip also provides a great multi-modal approach by combining both visual and spoken examples. I know myself, that I learn best by observational watching, then applying a kinaesthetic / hands on approach, so I really found this helpful.

I would use this as a mentor text in a reading lesson within my classroom to perhaps demonstrate how the tone and volume within the readers voice can dictate how interesting the book may sound.

Thank you for a fantastic unit this semester.

All the best,

Aleesha W.

[aleeshaawhitelock-blog]

Week 8 Tumblr response 

#ecl310/19

Link to video if unable to view on this page-  https://vimeo.com/user103379241/review/363096385/2760d08321

[aleeshaawhitelock-blog]

Week 7 TUMBLR POST 

One of my goals this semester was to really improve my personal understanding around reading comprehension. I feel its just so important.

I am attempting to teach my 4yo daughter the beginning steps of reading and let me tell you... its been challenging!!  One main resource I keep coming back to that is not only assisting me with my daughter, but helping me develop my English curriculum knowledge, is the educational text by Susan hill -.  Developing early literacy; Assessment and teaching. I love this book.

I love that it provides practical, yet easy to follow examples of teaching strategies within a range of classroom settings. It also has a strong focus on helping students develop comprehension strategies. It has been a great help to me throughout my degree and in my personal life. I believe it would be an invaluable resource to help teachers develop their English curriculum knowledge further.

The second resource I love is the jolly phonics songs and lesson plans that are available as an APP on android and IOS devises. The lessons and songs provide fun and interactive ways to teach the 5 key skills of reading and writing. I have included a screenshot of some of the Jolly Phonics features.

[aleeshaawhitelock-blog]

Week 3-

 The link attached is to a web page titled ‘Children’s literature library’. This page has dedicated authors, librarians, writers, editors and teachers who take the time to read and then critically review thousands of children’s literature books annually. They cover books for children from birth to 18yo and have done so since the 1990s.

I love this page as it often displays the book’s being reviewed and provides a link as to where you can access or purchase them. There are links to fantastic professional development resources and parenting materials.

I feel it helps keep me up to date with what books are being newly released yet also revisits the classics. It is also a fantastic platform for asking any questions or seeking friendly advice.

This page can be followed on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

www.childrenslit.com

 Check it out, its awesome!

[aleeshaawhitelock-blog]

Week 2-

I just love some of these anchor charts. I was involved in making one of these and can confirm that the students played an active role in coming up with most of the ideas. I believe this process of involvement helps students gain a better understand around their writing tasks. Because the charts are displayed around the classroom, students might be more inclined to refer to them when faced with a problem and self-monitor / help themselves rather than look for teacher dependence.  

(A, Whitelock 2019, Own photos)

#ecl310/19  #Anchorcharts #Primaryschool #CAFE 

[aleeshaawhitelock-blog]

Week 1-

I was exposed to and immersed in reading and being read to from a very young age. I do recall reading the Goosebumps books when I was younger. Night in terror tower and werewolf of fever swamp come to mind. Perhaps I enjoyed these because they encouraged my imagination to run wild?

Because of my parents investing so much time in those foundation years, when I know read to my own children, I love to create a real sense of adventure by pretending to be the different characters. My parents did this and I loved it. I change my tone and pitch of voice to suit the characters and encourage my daughters to also get excited about the books being read. I plan to do the same when I start teaching within my own classroom one day too.

I have attached a short clip of my gorgeous daughter Bonnie who has just turned 4 Years old. She is modelling how I often read to her. She loves the book the Gruffalo and when I ask her why she loves it, she said it’s because of the way I make my voice sound like the animals in the book.

Enjoy!