READINGPHILOSOPHY

The more you read, the more things you will know. The more
that you learn, the more places youll go.
~ Dr. Seuss, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!
My philosophy of teaching reading focuses on developing successful readers who actively take
part in reading instruction. An effective reading program focuses on providing activities and
instructional strategies that fit the needs of all diverse learners. My students will be motivated
and encouraged to enhance their professional reading growth with a mix of small group, whole
group, and individual instruction. Students will construct meaning of reading by further
developing their phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. I will
plan my instruction in a way that relates my students prior knowledge and experiences to the
written text.
Students will develop communication skills that require them to think critically and construct
meaning. In helping my students comprehend the reading material I will center my instruction
on bringing meaning to students interests, past experiences, personal relationships, culture,
personalities, and learning styles. In helping understand my students attitudes towards reading
I will promote opportunities that allow them to share their interests, feelings, and behaviors.
This provides students with an enriching reading program that inspires and motivates them to
become fluent readers.
I will provide students with opportunities to enhance their phonemic awareness, phonics,
vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills. In my classroom I will provide opportunities
for students to interact in both interest groups as well as ability level groups. When students
have mastered these skills they will have higher level thinking, attitudes, and perspectives of
reading. Students developing their reading growth will share with peers, respond to readings,
and discuss reading materials with the whole-class and small groups.
In instructing my students I will both model and share reading strategies to students. I will read
aloud to students on a regular basis and take-part in whole class discussions with them. My
instructional strategies will promote reflection, discussion, and critical thinking. Overall, I will
plan to use a variety of strategies and learning opportunities to engage students in reading
activities that activate their prior knowledge.
Reading instruction and the reading curriculum will be integrated in to all subjects. My goal is
for students to recognize reading in their every day life and realize the value of reading not just
in school but outside of school. Overall, I hope to encourage my students to become proficient
readers, responsible citizens, and helpful members within their community and families.