Read and Retell: A Strategy for the Whole Language/Natural Learning Classroom

An excellent book that reminds teachers and all others involved with children, that reading should be seen as a natural process. We have no problems expecting children to be able to speak, and this book reminds us we should have the same expectations for reading. All children can learn to read when reading is taught in a meaningful way. When children learn to speak, they are given feedback(Yes, that's a doggie), demonstrations, ("Can you say cookie?" and give the child the cookie) and mostly high expectations that they will learn to speak. We are not too concerned with a small child saying "Me want cookie." and yet we try to correct beginning readers at every turn expecting immeadiate perfection. Just like speakers, they will internalize reading skills and 'construct meaning' from them as they develop. We as educators must remind ourselves that it is our responsibility to provide the positive atmosphere for beginning readers to feel free to explore and constuct knowledge through real and meaningful reading experiences.