Understanding Literacy

So, when did students forget how to read? 

While reading this chapter I realized students never “forgot” how to read, some students just do not have the comprehension of others. Each student goes through life very differently. Some students explore the entire world, while others are not as privileged. The reading helped me to understand that even though a piece might be hard to read, with hints or clues it might be easier for the student to understand. Another helpful way to help students is to read along with them and help break down the topic. This would allow the students to learn the topic in detail, rather than be thrown in to a topic that is above their head. It would also help the students understanding if they asked questions about the reading. I also learned from the text that if the students were given their “Columbus Key”, it allows the student to have a full understanding to the whole idea of the text. The “Columbus Key” is a word or phrase that gives the idea behind the passage.

When given the “Columbus Key” behind a text, everything that your mind has stored comes to the front of your brain and allows you to understand better. Personally, this had never crossed my mind because when you’re in a history class, your mind is already on history. Or if you’re reading your favorite magazine that is what is on your mind. But what if you were given an accidentally misplaced page about women’s fashion in a men’s sports magazine with no hint that the page was accidentally inserted? Would you ever notice or forever be confused? Eventually, you would probably notice, but it would be confusing until you found that hint that allows you understand that it was a mistake.

WC: 300