Lessons in Reading

BY HEATHER BAIN BEHAVIOURAL TEACHING ASSISTANT

My school board spent time identifying positive character traits our students should acquire during their years in our schools. When introducing a lesson about these character traits, I always start by reading the class a story to easily illustrate my point. *Check out my personal favourites list of stories that I’ve read aloud to students over the years.

As a child, I struggled with reading, a fundamental education building block, as I was often absent from school due to recurring appendicitis and ear infections. How did I go from being a child non reader to an adult working in education? I do remember not feeling as smart as my younger sister. Without the concerted effort from caring adults in my life recognizing and addressing the problem then, my life could have been very different!

Children learn, copy and use our attitudes and behaviour. My method of problem solving is based on words starting with the letter P. I use this process to help me identify and determine next steps no matter what type of problem I’m facing.

THE 5P's of problem solving

My Personal Problem Solving Plan includes the following:

POWER

Power refers to using your ability to discover and deal with a problem. Recognizing the problem is always the first step! It requires taking the initiative to establish cooperation and collaboration with others, asking questions and researching to find details and missing knowledge. Look for clarification, help, advice or strategies. At school I regularly consult with students, teachers, administration and parents. Empowering people, especially students by listening to their input while getting this data and creating the plan makes a big difference in successfully reaching the goal.

PLANNING

Planning means actively gathering facts based on questions asked and answered, evaluating skills and strategies. Then use this information to create a logical “Plan of Attack”. List responsibilities and who is assigned that part of the plan. Periodically the plan may need to be evaluated, updated and adjusted based on new information and improving skills. That can also be built into the plan.

PRACTICE

Practice the skill using the methods suggested by experts, research or advice from others. It may take time for someone to build confidence in a new skill and adopt a more positive attitude. Praise the effort, not the result.

PERSISTENCE

Persistence is necessary. New skills and habits take time to develop so keep doing it if you’re seeing movement toward a goal. Take the time to continue practicing regularly until new skills are confidently acquired and used.

PROOF

Proof is seeing the results. If things have improved, terrific! Keep the plan going. If not, evaluate what worked, what didn’t and adjust as necessary. Flexibility is key if you aren’t getting the wanted results. Seek more information or try new tactics. Persistence is important at this point.

Sometimes our inner monologue unconsciously influences our perception of our skills or personality. What are you saying when thinking about yourself? Are your mindset and self talk encouraging or self defeating? What experience does your family have facing problems?

In my case, primary teachers informed my parents and sent home phonics worksheets. My father, an elementary school Vice Principal familiar with the Phonics Program, worked with me. We practiced letter recognition, letter sounds, reading, printing and spelling skills. After much steady practice, I could name and match letters and their sounds and then use those skills to sound out and read words independently.

One day I was sick at home, tucked in bed and bored. I picked up a chapter book and flipped through it. What pride I felt when I realized that I could read and understand it by myself. I continued until I heard my mother coming down the hall. As she entered the room, I quickly threw my covers over the book because I was shy about sharing my reading skills.

Mom saw me and demanded to know what contraband I was covering up. To her surprise, I sheepishly pulled back the covers to expose my book. She asked why I was keeping reading it a secret so I explained. After I read aloud to her she praised my efforts. That night at dinner, she proudly explained to my dad how she “caught me reading!” My father congratulated me and we celebrated this breakthrough. My mindset shifted from “No I can’t!” to “I think I can!”

My Dad and I continued our dining room table lessons but now I was taking initiative and reading independently. In turn, my father had proof that the phonics program he had studied at University worked. Based on his personal experience, it became a mandatory program at his school helping primary students learn to read when he became a Principal.

Reading became a much enjoyed pastime. The librarians at my local public library knew me by name. Eventually, my parents had to set limits because I was going to bed with a book and a flashlight! Since then my reading ability became a source of pride, relied upon and a skill utilized daily. Now when I want to read a story to a class or enjoy a novel, I just pick my book or device and begin. Problem Solved!!!

My Top 7 Favourite Books for Developing Positive Character Traits with the character traits being introduced.

I always explain the definition of the character trait and ask students to look for examples of it in the story. Ask questions after the story. This promotes active listening and interesting conversations. Most of these stories can be found on Youtube in the Children’s Read Aloud Book Section. Click on book title for Amazon link.

The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland Character Trait: Caring

Moose! by Robert Munch Character Trait: Cooperation

Edward Fudwupper Fibbed Big

I Miss Franklin P. Shuckles by Ulana Snihura Character Trait: Inclusion

It’s Okay to be Different! by Todd Parr Character Trait: Respect

A Little Spot of Responsibility by Diana Alber Character Trait: Responsibility

The Little Engine that Could by Matty Piper Character Trait: Positive Mindset

Need help with a story suggestion for an issue or problem that you’re dealing with? Message me via the magazine contact link. We can book The a chat Olive time Book to discuss October your concerns.