Chapter 4

This chapter was very interesting in the way it explored responses to literature. I know first hand what it is like to be so engrossed in what I'm reading that I get completely lost in the text. Its actually a very fun experience . The reader gets to almost live what they are reading about. This experience can never be duplicated from a movie. For many children literature is the only exposure they have to other places and ideas. This enables the children to dream bigger and aim their goals higher when they know that there is more to life than their surroundings. The CORI concept seems like an outstanding way to enhance children's motivation to read. The children get to express them selves in a positive manner while making choices and getting positive feedback. I can see how the children's exposure and engagement to literature enhance their responses. I believe even adults have more sophistication when they read and discuss advanced literature. I believe the more proficient readers are they better they are at all subjects in general. The way the readers responds to the literature depends on many factors including their culture and environment. Like previously stated in the book the words are static on the page, that is free to be interpreted by the reader depending on their stance. Of course a main point that stood out to me was the role of the teacher. Never underestimate the role we will soon play in these children's lives,we are their to facilitate and nurture their thinking.

Chapter 3

This chapter talked about the reading comprehension and the way we interpret the literature. It talked about the teachers' role in aiding and guiding the comprehension process. It discussed Rosenblatt's theory of comprehension. She proposed many great new ideas. Aesthetic being pleasure reading and efferent as complex or challenging reading. Of course there has to be a medium between the two types. I totally agreed with her idea of reading transactions. Everyone has different backgrounds and experiences that we bring to the table. These effects what we receive from the literature and what it means to us. I thought it was really interesting the way Rosenblatt explained the idea of text as static, that the author can no longer control. The chapter goes on to discuss various way students can convey what the material meant to them. Accessing comprehension is important to ensure that students are actively engaged in their reading. Also to ensure the reader can truly comprehend the material their given. Lexicon is a big word for a person vocabulary. Expanding this is supposed to be the outcome of reading. The chapter finishes with the importance of pre and post reading discussions. It tells us to ensure that the discussion is productive by letting the student play an active role in it. This chapter was informative but covered a lot of different information.

Chapter 2-Culture

This chapter emphasizes the importance of deep culture impact in our schools today. Many institutions only acknowledge the culture of their students at the surface. The paragraph about mismatched culture was so accurate. The idea that students who come from education nurturing homes are more likely to succeed in their education process, is so true. The school setting in general is probably so foreign to many students. The chapter stresses the importance of getting to know your students. It also helps that the students know and trust you as well. These points all deal with literature on some level. Literature in general is the basis for education. With out it the entire education process would be meaningless. Literature opens readers minds, and exposes them to a different world. It can also help readers deal with everyday life, as suggested in the chapter. The book eludes to the movie, Shadowlands, where one student says "we read to know we are not alone". That statement couldn't be more true. So when we as teachers encompass culture along with literature we can truly reach our students. Especially when globalization is growing everyday , our students should be aware of more than just their own communities or cultures.

Author profile...children's literature

I researched some children's literature authors. I am a new fan of Patricia Polacco. Dr. Ferguson read one of her books to us and it was so moving. Many of her books are personal and enlightening. She has one book called Our mothers home (I believe) and its about a household with two moms and no dad. In this day and age their are plenty of kids who relate to that material. One of my all time favorite authors was Judy Blume. She wrote the most awesome and relatable books. I remember I couldn't put her books down. She is definitely an author to expose our students to. Sandra Cisneros touches on both English and Spanish literature. She writes personal and family oriented material. Her books are inspiring and moving as well. These are authors that I would like my own daughter to enjoy. I am looking forward to learning about new and different authors.

Chapter 1 response

I really enjoyed this chapter and the point it conveys to the audience. This chapter was inspiring to me as a future teacher. I hope to one day instill a life long love for reading and literature in my students. I totally agreed with the authors opinion that it is our bigger challenge to teach students to want to read as opposed to just teaching them to read. I will be sure to set my own teaching beliefs and stand by them. Modeling good positive behavior was an issue i never really considered too much. The chapter convinced me of its true significance. I feel that reading(or lack there of) is the basis for the entire education process, and there fore should not be taken lightly. Readings significance should be drilled into every student in America begining at a young age. This chapter almost insinuates that teaching is a learned art form. From modeling to constructive feedback to scaffolding, we are these kids life lines to the rest of their education.