Oh, this week is soon over and I feel I haven't done
anything even if I have. I have received positive feedback for some PowerPoint
presentations and I have read through lots and lots of postings and blogs. So
this week is really time-consuming in many ways. I’m planning to do the project
work on reading or rather having students to read, which is quite a challenge as
they claim they don’t read. I wonder if that’s true. If it is it’s quite sad
because I find a person who is literate not reading books in the same position
as an illiterate person. Do they really understand what they are missing in
life?
I have been thinking a lot of independent studying and how I
might be a hinder of students’ development to independency. (Maybe) I ought to
improve myself and avoid doing so much instead of them…
I think it's a great idea to make students read. You know I'm all for reading and I always have some reading project with my classes. But that type of project has to last for a life time. It's not something we can do in a few weeks: we have to start early and find the right texts that will keep them motivated and teach them how to read, how to appreciate words and imagery. It's not easy, but it's rewarding when we see they are enjoying what they're doing.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on that idea.
Thank you Luisa,
ReplyDeleteI won't give up (whatever it takes from my part:-))
I think reading is paramount in our learning process, Sinikka. And it's a tough job to make our students read! I don't think it is because they find reading boring... I think it is due to the amount of stimulating input they find around their living space... their lives are full of exciting things such as videogames, chat rooms, whatsups, facebooks, films... why read? But if we are able to give them that little push, once they have read some pages of that ensnaring and mesmerising story... they will have tasted the sweet venom... small dose is necessary at the beginning... let it settle. They keep saying there are other better things around. Keep on with that little and gentle push, and more venom will settle until they will discover the joy of words!
ReplyDeleteCarry on, Sinikka!
All the best,
Ricard
Sinikka:
ReplyDeleteI thinkk your intention is like a brilliant diamond, it doesn't have value, to motivate reading is one the most important skill to develop in our students.Go On to offer them the possibility in their future to be a leader,as Margarita Fuller quoted: “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” or Every man who knows how to read has it in his power to magnify himself, to multiply the ways in which he exists, to make his life full, significant and interesting”
Aldous Huxley .
Yours
Orquidia
Thank you Orquidia, I will print out the quotes and have then on our note board ;-)
DeleteHello Sinikka
ReplyDeleteReading habit is gradually disappearing among students now-a-days as the usage of mobile phones and internet is increasing. Moreover, TV programmes consume lot of time. I think encouraging students to read is the need of the hour.
with regards
Vijay