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Karen Tankersley |
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GOOD TEACHERS BUILD STRONG READERS
Welcome to the Threads of Reading Website! This site is dedicated to teachers everywhere who are charged with building strong reading threads in the students they serve.
Effective teachers of reading have a wide array of strategies which they use to build strong readers. From the time children begin to imitate the sounds they hear in their environment, we are preparing students to be effective and thoughtful readers and thinkers. Clay (1991) says that reading is a “message-getting, problem-solving activity which increases in power and flexibility the more it is practiced.” Rosenblatt (1978) points out that “the reader brings to the text his past experience and his personality.” Both point out the interconnection between the reader and the text as an essential ingredient to making meaning. Reading is in fact, unlocking an author’s message by interpreting the symbols on the page, the author’s intent and combining it with the reader’s own background knowledge. Great teachers understand this and use strategies like those contained on this site to help their students build strong threads of reading. I hope you will find many helpful ideas and strategies on these pages that will help you strengthen your own abilities to weave reading magic with the students you serve. Please return often and be sure to share your insights and ideas on our Weaver’s Blog. |
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Helping Students Show What They Know |
| In this age of high accountability and high stakes tests, we have to make sure that our students are prepared to show what they know and can do on state assessments. Teachers are working hard every day to help their students master grade level standards and demonstrate needed skills. Instead of asking them to work harder, we can provide them with the tools they need to "work smarter." This means thoroughly understanding what is expected of students so that daily instruction can better target what students will need to do well on state assessments. In her new book, "Tests that Teach" Karen explores the various types of questions that routinely appear on state assessments and describes the ramifications for daily teaching. She offers guidelines on how to create daily lessons that encourage students to practice the skills and demonstrate the knowledge they will need to do well in each content area including reading, math, science and social studies. She suggests word lists, instructional games and virtual field trips that teachers can use to better prepare their students as deep thinkers. Karen also describes how leaders can help students create professional learning communities that foster collaboration and high student performance. Please note, this is NOT a book about "tests." It is a book about effective instructional practices that enhance student performance in all content areas. Take the time to read it today to unlock the important factors that will enable your students to truly "show what they know" in in the best way possible. Click the link on this page to order your copy today! |
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