Entry # 4

First I read a German Poetry book. I looked for words that looks similar to English, a language I already know. So, I used cognates to make meaning. I found some words that made sense, but I was really not sure. I began to get a headache by just trying to read something that was really not making sense. Then, I decided to look at the English translation beside it. I was quite pleased to read and make meaning in English. Then, I went back to the German poem and tried to read it again to see if it was easier to make meaning. I felt it was a little easier to make meaning.
As a lower text, I chose a picture book in Japanese. The title was Hansel and Gretal. The book had the English title and the Japanese title. I could understand this whole book by just looking at the pictures. How awesome! I couldn't read anything because I don't know any of the Japanese characters or their sounds.
It would have been easier to have a character sound chart with an English Japanese dictionary to read and make meaning.

Entry # 3

When a baby is born he/she starts hearing sounds and they usually get attached to familiar voices. When children grow up and start listening and mimicking adults they make meaning through their speech. One way in which parents and teachers can help students to acquire language is through modeling and scaffolding. Scaffolding is the process where one builds on prior knowledge and creates building blocks for learning. When students are encouraged to use their words and talk they acquire language. This process is known as "language acquisition".
        Students acquire the skills necessary for reading by first learning the letter sound relationship and then decoding and blending simple words. This is learned through direct and indirect instruction. They also benefit from modeling and scaffolding. Students are then introduced to vocabulary and comprehension through various modes of instruction. Adults and teachers play a vital role in a child's learning process!

Entry 1

The teacher I interviewed believes that a strong sense of community must be established to create comfort and support for all beginning readers and writers. She also says that creating access to strategies and skills, and making sure that each student is appropriately challenged and supported by proper English Language instruction should be a priority. I agree with this philosophy because students should be comforted and accepted in the learning environment to be successful learners. I also agree that teachers should practice research based instruction in the classroom to reach every child as a learner.