Up until this summer, I used the phrase, "They learn to read in K-3, then read to learn after". I am sure we have all heard this and we've probably used it at one time or another. Well, I said this in a literacy training and was quickly reprimanded by the speaker. That got me thinking about the phrase, where it came from, and the ramifications of thinking about reading in this way.
I quickly found at least a dozen articles about this phrase and immersed myself in the knowledge of others. Research continues to support the fact that if students cannot read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they will struggle with reading throughout their education. Research also says that this phrase is a MYTH that has caused damage to education in literacy. Students need to learn to read and read to learn simultaneously. Think about it. You want your group of kindergarteners to read a story about birds. What do you expect them to do? Stop at periods, read all the words, blend words that they struggle with, and that's it? That's learning to read, right? No, you also want your group to read to learn about birds and comprehend the story. So they are learning to read while reading to learn. Makes perfect sense now, doesn't it? I'm just a little embarrassed that it took me this long to figure that out. Students are constantly learning how to read as they strive to comprehend more challenging text. It doesn't stop at 3rd grade.
I've included the link to one of the articles I've read on the subject and I challenge you to change your thinking.
I quickly found at least a dozen articles about this phrase and immersed myself in the knowledge of others. Research continues to support the fact that if students cannot read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they will struggle with reading throughout their education. Research also says that this phrase is a MYTH that has caused damage to education in literacy. Students need to learn to read and read to learn simultaneously. Think about it. You want your group of kindergarteners to read a story about birds. What do you expect them to do? Stop at periods, read all the words, blend words that they struggle with, and that's it? That's learning to read, right? No, you also want your group to read to learn about birds and comprehend the story. So they are learning to read while reading to learn. Makes perfect sense now, doesn't it? I'm just a little embarrassed that it took me this long to figure that out. Students are constantly learning how to read as they strive to comprehend more challenging text. It doesn't stop at 3rd grade.
I've included the link to one of the articles I've read on the subject and I challenge you to change your thinking.