We read the article about an emergent reading program. This was about educational games that could be used to teach reading. Suggestions were simon says, creating a rap, etc.
What do you think about using games to teaching reading? Does it help, or does the class get out of control?
Re: Teaching Emergent Reading
We feel that students can be taught to stay within the parameters by setting the appropriate guidelines for the activitiy. If students do not abide accordingly, then the “game” stops. The key is consistency.
We feel that this approach will encourage the students to write. It is fun and non threatening.
Re: Teaching Emergent Reading
I don’t know about a school enviroment for this with so many kids but do know about it in a home enviroment. I have two boys with learning issues and one of the things we have tried is family game night. We have found that these games help them reinforce some basic skills. For example we play Yatzee to work on math skills, we discuss basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by playing side games while playing this. Here is what I mean someone rolls the dice and we “race” to see who can add it up the fastest, then might say now what if we subract away a certain dice. If the dice show like three fives we say who knows what 5 X 3 is. The kids love it. We also play games that require them to read such as monopoly and life. The newest addition to our game night is Who Wants to Be a Millionare—with all the various questions it is fun and educational. Not only are the children learning but we are all enjoying each other in a relaxing atmosphere. We feel this is only a small part of why the boys are doing better with the basic skills. Just thought I would share for the parents who visit this board.
Teaching games will always help in that it grabs the students attention, AND can be a great way to reward students for cooperation or any number of things they have done. Being a mom, and an older person (43!), I have a certain “style” in my classes, and students get to know that style. When you start out the school year, whether you are a new or experienced teacher, the tone you set at the beginning of the year is the tone the students will follow.
I happen to work with a teacher that is not big on discipline, which can be frustrating for me. However, I think that students adjust to each style, just as we adjust to each professors expectations in our classes.
Humor and cheerfulness are the best ways to keep learning going. I know it’s not what you said about teaching through games, but your humorous but firm attitude can keep things on an even keel, even when the class is trying to get out-of-control.