Emergent Literacy

   In today's class we went over emergent literacy and all the elements that go along with it. We discussed how parent involvement is very important when it comes to building reading skills because they are a child's first teacher. Providing a print rich environment for students is one of the many ways to allow students to practice reading and to get them involved. There are many different approaches and strategies to teach reading and I think they all sound like great ways to get the students involved. Another helpful feature to integrate into your reading lesson is to provide a visual aid. This can help students see the words better and it allows them to understand the lesson that is being taught.
   Integration of technology is another positive teaching strategy. I think this gives students a different overview of reading. It allows them to see the various ways reading can be done and it can be a fun way for students as well. Shared reading is another approach that I think is very effective. Having the teacher provide a large book and have the students follow along and read out loud is a great strategy. I also liked the idea that Rhea suggested with the popcorn. Utilizing the five senses and integrating it into the lesson plan is something I think students will enjoy.
   Overall, today's class was full of great information that can really help me in the future. I really enjoyed learning all the different approaches and to go over it in class really made me understand it more.