The Importance Of Relationship In Literature

I believe that all learning stems from relationships. Students, myself included, respond best when they feel valued and appreciated by their teacher/professor. I think this is especially true when we talk about literature and writing in the classroom. In an article by Beth Morrow, she presents the notion that, “the strength of our student relationships makes the difference in translating our passion for teaching into their passion for learning” (Morrow). I could not agree with this statement more. It completely encompasses everything I believe about education, especially literature and writing in the classroom. In this paper I will discuss how relationships benefit students in literature and writing in the classroom. Students grow up and …show more content…
In a study conducted by Margaret Bottone, ten first grade students were monitored over the course of a year and were read to in a small group setting. Bottone was looking for differences in comprehension rates in students that engage in a small group setting and those that do not. The study concluded that small group instruction is highly beneficial and almost necessary, especially in the primary grades. Bottone stated “small group instruction is a highly effective way for teachers to engage students in active learning. The focus of attention in a small group is not on the teacher, but on the interactive learning that is going on between the student and the task at hand” (23). In my Pre-Internship Practicum placement this semester, I am in a first grade classroom. Throughout the course of the semester, I have been able to witness the benefits of small group reading instruction on a weekly basis. Students really thrive when meeting in that setting with my cooperating teacher. After seeing students thrive like this in person, meeting throughout the week in small groups is something I will plan on doing in my future classroom. In her study, Bottone also points out that students succeed in this setting …show more content…
Our first graders are partnered with fourth grade students. Once a week, the fourth grade student reads aloud to the first grade student. This reading buddy program benefits both students in many ways. The older student focuses on fluency and voice while the younger student focuses mostly on comprehension, but is also observing how to read fluently. At a school in Phoenix, Arizona the reading buddies program changed the lives of the students involved. Patricia Ross is a high school teacher at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. Before becoming involved in the reading buddies program, the high school students tested between first and second grade levels. Ross tells about the journey these students went on and the trials they faced throughout their experience. The high school students responded so well to the responsibility placed on them of reading to a third grade student. Before this program existed, the high school students did not enjoy reading at all. This program single-handedly changed the world these students inhabit. When talking about how the third graders benefitted from this program, their teacher said “some of my students do not have a lot of great role models, and it was great for them to interact with high school students in a non-educational setting” (73). As I see it, students (from both buildings) responded so well to this program, because of the relationships they were