Language and Literacy, Essay Example

There is a known interrelation between reading and other language arts. Indeed, speaking, writing and visual representation are all connected with reading skills. Educators need to facilitate language development through literature-based programs. (Burns, Roe & Smith, 2012, p. 376) Language development is affected by culture, cognitive skills and socialization. Comprehension strategies in the classroom include individualization of the text. According to Burns, Roe & Smith (2012), reading comprehension is not only a unitary, but also an individual cognitive process. Previews, application guides and questioning are among the classroom strategies that can support comprehension skills and language development at the same time. Questioning and discussion related to the text can teach students not only how to “make sense” of the text but also how to approach answering to related questions.

Activities to address reading ability can provide enhanced development of language and reading skills. Phonemic awareness can be supported by using sound tiles to identify the corresponding letters to sounds. Computer-based and in-class printed activities can be used to help students process and recognize sound patterns. Auditory discrimination can be supported by vowel level games and clear the skies games. Build a House game can support the development of letter recognition. Raceway game board can also help students understand print concepts and conventions and differentiate between various visual appearances of characters. Further, it can promote alphabet knowledge, the child’s sensory recognition skills and integration of letters from children’s primary language. Introducing writing concepts, just like the concept that letters spell a word helps children appreciate reading and writing as a meaningful activity. Build a House game is an interesting and interactive method of recognizing sounds, connect them with the playing cards and visualize the phonograms and learn new words at the same time. It is also a collaborative method built on communication and teacher instruction is needed to communicate the rules of the game.

References

Burns, P., Roe, B. & Smith, S. (2012).Teaching reading in today’s elementary schools (11th ed.). Wadworth Cengage Learning: Belmont, CA.