What I propose to do for my WICKED project is find educational tools that will help aide and support our struggling readers. With the various Web 2.0 Tools that are available to us, there may be many free or cost-efficient solutions. Also, I want to look into affordable software and leveled reading books that addresses this issue. By attempting to meet this need, our schools will benefit as a whole, and hopefully, students will have a higher success rate throughout their educational years.
The scope of this solution will expectantly be district wide, so that students of all ages know that the options they have to receive support. Some software programs have district wide packages that are still age appropriate for the different grade levels. In my specific area of interest I would like to find programs that would be appropriate for the entire library media program so that all of our library media specialists have these tools accessible to their information seeking skills lessons. If we incorporate and introduce these tools in our typical researching units, students will expectantly know when and where to access them. It is my intention that by introducing these useful tools and teaching students how to use them, they’ll be able to view these resources as lifelong learning tools not only in school, but also in their future endeavors.
There are a few software programs and websites that focus on this same issue. One of which is Reading Rockets. One of their beliefs are, “However, it is important for teachers to take on that challenge. It is up to us to provide Charles and his buddies with accessible reading materials in school, so that they may build the attitude and strategies necessary to become readers for life.” (Reading Rockets, 2011). This website offers a wealth of videos, audio books, and leveled reading books to support their cause. In addition, there are some encyclopedias that have gone online and offer an abundance of information. They have many features that may help with my cause. That is what I hope to do. Give students the reading skills and opportunities needed to improve their reading, as well as, to know how to access supporting resources when they’re having difficulty. It will help make their time in the library more enjoyable rather feeling like they have a problem to tackle. “One of the keys to help struggling readers is to provide them with books that they can and want to read” (Reading Rockets, 2011). I hope to help develop students with confidence in reading and a desire to read for information or pleasure through our library media program.
Through this course, I plan to choose one resource to begin implementing within my building and to address this issue. I prefer a program that addresses researching and non-fiction material because that type of reading usually consists of more difficult vocabulary. Also, I would like to find a resource that is suitable for young students, as well as, older students. I want to organize the information I find about this resource to help me weigh my options and know its strengths. I believe gathering this information and classifying it will help me in the fall when I begin my new job placement. I will be moving from the elementary to the high school, so I would like to evaluate our subscriptions and resources to make sure that I include resources that will cater to struggling readers as well.
To be sure that my WICKED project is successful I will be able to look at our school’s resources and see a balanced program that offers equal opportunities for all. In addition, I hope to see students utilizing these resources with comfort and their needs being addressed.
Works Cited
Reading Rockets. “Hooking struggling readers: using books they can and want to read.”
Reading Rockets,2011.
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see how your Wicked project turns out. I work in a school where the majority of the students do not have a single book at home. Although I am always explaining to parents that they can visit the local library to promote reading skills, they often times claim that they will but never get around to it. I would love to have access to web 2.0 materials that could allow my students to become more fluent readers and practice at home as well. I have never heard of reading rockets before and I will definitely have to check it out! I can't wait to see what you do with this project!
Sarah Boutwell
I think this is a very good idea that you have. I know this is something my school district has tried to accomplish or solve but we weren't quite able to get there. We tried things like Fast Forword and looking into options such as audiobooks and even Kindles/Nooks but nothing really seemed to stick. It sounds like you have the groundwork that you need for this to get it solved finally!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really good project. We tried doing this in my district and weren't very successful at itgs such as Fast Forword and then looked into options such as Kindle/Nook but nothing seemed to fit right for us and our students. It looks like you have the right idea in mind and the determination to do it - it looks like it'll be both challenging and rewarding for you when you complete the project!. We tried thin
ReplyDeleteDiana - I like the idea of creating a reading resource for students. Is there a particular reason it is focused on non-fiction? I think this would be particularly beneficial for you as you move into a high school setting this year. Finding a subscription program that could be used throughout a district is also a good idea. This ensures that it is not exclusively for a certain level, but that all students may (and will) benefit from using it. Also, it will enable students to understand how to use it as they work their way through the grade levels.
ReplyDeleteDiana - I am always excited to see the various things you are doing in the library with students. Finding interesting reading material leveled just right for all students is always difficult at our school especially if they need to do a little research on something. I was excited to read about the site you mentioned and just had to check it out. It is filled with a lot of very useful resources. I will definitely add it to my list of must use links. I look forward to seeing how your project develops.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I focused on non-fiction because in the library we do a lot of research projects which require non-fiction reading. This can be a real struggle for many students and I want them to have the same opportunities in accessing information as everyone else.
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