Occasionally, people have questioned me on the use of "3 Ways to Read a Book." They wonder how I can justify "reading the pictures" as real reading. They ask how retelling stories is helping children to learn to read. Upper grade teachers wonder about the value of reading pictures when their readers are engrossed in longer chapter books. I have always tried to justify this by saying that it makes all of my little friends feel like real readers. In reality, it is exactly what real readers do!
I inadvertantly put this theory to the test in a recent project I started at home. My lesson came when I decided to put together a small entertainment shelving unit. It stands roughly four feet tall, has two shelves, and one drawer. Before beginning, I thought it might take me an hour or two but that I was fully capable of putting it together myself. And then I started.
First, I read the directions that came in the box. I understood all of the words I was reading... with more than 99% accuracy! I knew all of the words in the directions, but it still wasn't making sense to me. I was trying to do what the directions were telling me to do, but I just didn't get it.
Next, I reread the sections I didn't understand. When that still didn't seem to help, I retold what I had read to my helper (thanks, Mom!) Explaining it to her seemed to help... a little. Between the two of us, we were able to read and reread our way through the first step.
Finally, I had the good sense to use the pictures. What a world of a difference! Between the picture of the finished product on the box and the step-by-step pictures in the directions, it all started to come together. While I was able to read everything on the page, I relied on the pictures to help me "see" what I was missing.
My quick little Sunday morning project turned into a 5 hour ordeal! I'm happy to report that the shelf remains sturdy and looks beautiful. This is a lesson that I will keep with me for a long time. It will help me explain to my students and colleagues the power of three ways to read a book. Now if I could just figure out how to hook up my TV...
-Komos :)
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post about 3 ways to read a book, as I too have found it tricky to explain to new comers. I really identified with your struggle to follow those directions which come with DIY furniture and I think it is a perfect example of needing to use more than one way to read.
I am spending my holiday in Berlin and as I don't speak (or read) German I am finding that I am often able to get an idea of what things are about by looking at the pictures. I am also visiting lots of museums and art galleries where I am 'reading the pictures', the universal language of art.
Hi again, that was me, Louise @qldteacher who posted that comment. The page froze and I couldn't edit or add my name at the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your post:) have a good break
Thanks for the feedback, Louise! I love your examples of how reading the pictures truly is "real reading!" Hope you're enjoying your time in Berlin. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm relatively new to reading your blog but I really enjoyed this post.
ReplyDeleteI teach Kindergarten in Chicago so justifying reading the pictures is easier, but sometimes parents give me a raised eyebrow when I explain this...but we do it every day--and it's not easy! Spending six hours putting together a bed from IKEA exemplifies that.
Thanks!
Great example Laura, and so true! I'm now currently plotting how I can give my students this experience ....to have them truly understand for themselves. Am thinking a 3 stage 'reveal' lesson on 'how to' make something. Thanks for sharing! Erin - @ezsalm
ReplyDeleteI love this. I work really hard to get the kids to automatically tell me which of the three they are using for their Read to Self books. We say it so much, it's like please and thank you. This is a great way for me to share with parents why reading pictures and retellings are so critical for success. My kids are reading at pretty high levels for first graders and other teachers are questioning my methods and saying the kids aren't doing as well by DRA standards, but I know my way is creating lifelong readers and that beats DRA readers any day. Thank you for your website, I look forward to every post.
ReplyDeleteKimberley @ 1st in Maine
Thanks for your comments! I agree; if we are truly looking at the big picture, we have to look at what is essential in a reader's life. Having the ability to read the pictures is a handy item in a reader's toolbox!
ReplyDeleteKimberly, my first graders are also reading at pretty high levels but I think it's still important for them to remember to read the pictures (when available) in their books. Oftentimes, I see these children skipping the pictures and missing some of the story because of it. I'd love to chat more with you about how you're meeting the needs of your high readers! Always looking for new ideas!
Don't misunderstand me Laura, I think they are able to read at higher levels BECAUSE they know that reading the pictures and being able to retell the story is the "whole" reading experience. I think this is why some of the testing shows them at lower reading abilities because the books are not high quality literature where the reader must interact with the whole reading experience. I'd love to chat with you too. I don't totally understand the whole twitter, wikispace thing. i joined the site you are on, I think, but I'm not sure how to be a part of the chats.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing is that this is only my first year with First Graders. I taught middle school before and adult ed and just last year I was the literacy specialist. So I am trying to S-L-O-W myself down and see what the students need and how they do before I make changes.
Kimberley @ 1st in Maine
I have read a LOT about the Daily Five on different blogs, and I ordered both the Daily Five and Cafe to read over winter break. I LOVE the idea of Daily Five. Today was our first day back, and we did the lesson on a good fit book.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow, I am going to be talking about the first two ways to read a book. I absolutely think that reading the pictures is a "real" kind of reading. It also gives early emergent readers validation that what they are doing is right!
Thank you for your blog and all your ideas. I am your newest follower!
-Megan
http://firstgrademagic.blogspot.com
Kimberly, yes... I think we're both saying the same thing! Reading the pictures is important regardless of level, yes? :) If you're on Twitter, you can find me at @Komos72. If not, feel free to email me at MissKomos@gmail.com. Would love to chat more with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments and for following me, Megan! I'd love to help in any way I can. There are some older posts here on my blog that may help you as you are getting started. You're also welcome to email me! Ooh, and have you looked at Gail and Joan's site (www.thedailycafe.com?) I still rely on it a lot!
I'm a new follower - a fellow blogger suggested your blog to my followers in my giveaway. I also gave you a shoutout!!!!
ReplyDeleteHolly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
I just found your blog thanks to Holly and I am your newest follower! I can't wait to read more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower! Very excited!
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We have given you the Versatile Blogger Award!
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funforfirst.blogspot.com
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ReplyDeleteHi, Laura~
ReplyDeleteI teach third grade. I recently taught the lesson on 3 ways to read a book. How does reading with pictures apply to third graders when they are reading chapter books? I told my students that if there are no pictures that they could read the table of contents or flip through the book and read the chapter titles. I also added that reading the front and back book covers, the dedication and the "about the author" pages would be a good substitute for reading the pics in a chapter book.
Diane Spence
Pictures work wonders, if it's worth a thousand words thatcan really help the child understand. Great post!
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