Chapter 2--Post #10

Theories in educational psychology promote the idea that language plays a critical role in cognitive development. Examine Table 2.2 (p. 51), paying particular attention to the age range that you are interested in teaching. Consider how you might incorporate or adapt the strategies presented for use with your own students. 

I chose the K-2 grade level and looked at the suggested strategies for linguistic development.  At this age, they need to be reading age-appropriate storybooks to enhance their vocabulary.  It is important that they read something a little bit challenging but on their reading level because it will boost their confidence when they can read the whole book.  I will have books in my classroom that they can choose from, but more importantly I will make sure they go to the library and check out books labeled with their reading level.  I also think read-alouds are so important.  I plan to read-aloud to my students everyday in my classroom.  This will help them work on their listening skills.  This is also a great way for them to hear stories that they might not have been able to read on their own.  I will also have my students write about their weekends or special events that I know they have gone to.  By doing this, they can tell their stories without being disruptive (every Monday my Kindergarteners at work are ALL trying to tell me about their weekend at once) and they will be practicing writing in a way that they hopefully enjoy.  

As we progress throughout the year, I will always give corrective feedback when I can tell a student doesn't understand a word or is misusing.  This is important because they will keep using the word incorrectly if I don't correct them, and the longer they use the word incorrectly the harder it will be to change.  I will also ask questions to check for comprehension.  I have observed teachers that give instructions and then ask for the students to repeat it back when they are done; I like this idea not only with instruction.  It helps the teacher know whether the students are understanding.

Since I talked about read-alouds, I wanted to include this website.  It is readaloudamerica.org and it has lists of books that are suggested for reading aloud.  There is a list for each year.  It is a very helpful website because the lists are also divided into sections by age/grade level.