Orthography

Phonics instruction is very important in developing language and reading abilities in children. When children are learning about phonics, they are learning that letters make sounds, these sounds can be blended together to form words, and identify spelling patterns in said words. Once all of this is learned they are able to decode words by breaking down the sounds of the word and slowly blending those sounds together and then saying the word. Over time they will be come familiar with words…

After reading over the article about developmental spelling, I found myself in shock that there is still a sense of spelling in this world. I cannot express enough how many people have begun to rely on “internet” terms as their new sense of spelling. I actually had a co-worker fill out an accident report at work a few weeks ago and wrote “U” and “Lol” on the paper. Completely mind blown, I looked at her and asked how are we supposed to teach children, when we are un-teaching ourselves to fit the…

The Form in My Bag “And if you are interested in going to the spelling bee, make sure to tell your mom or dad so that they can fill out this form!” said my second grade teacher, only five years ago. As I heard those words, my ears perked up. I had gone to the spelling bee last year, and I had actually won fourth place! I got a ribbon and everything. As the day went on, my mind wandered to other things such as, what was for lunch today, and how long until I could go home. By that afternoon, I…

My little, Khloe, attends Seawind Elementary School and is in fifth grade. She is very active and always in a hurry to get her homework done, so that we can play. I have even caught her writing random things down so that her homework looks complete, but it really is not. As you can imagine, she was not exactly thrilled about me having her do this reading assignment with her. Khloe reads well and is on level. That being said, she often rushes through and does not comprehend all that she reads.…

Revealing the Mysteries of Dyslexia Through Video Games What is dyslexia? Ellen Kuwana, a Neuroscience for Kids staff writer says that “Dyslexia is a disorder that is characterized by a difficulty processing words” (Kuwana). Another way to describe dyslexia is as the American Heritage Dictionary defines it: “A learning disability marked by impairment in the ability to read.” (Hoiland). Reading does not come naturally as does speaking. One must activate certain areas of their brain to…

I can also recall watching “Wheel a Fortune” at night with my grandmother. This also helped to reinforce the concepts of reading and writing, which encouraged me to learn how to read and write. The high-dollar prizes given away to participants for solving puzzles were definitely a motivator. With that being said, my reading and writing skills have tremendously contributed to my life. I am now able to independently follow and read instructions in written form, think logically about the…

This letter has been a long time coming. So many times we have longed to put pen to paper but thought better of it. But the day has finally come. Our hearts are no longer full of hatred and anger but instead forgiveness and love. So with that, we want to begin by saying two simple words, thank you. Never would we have ever thought a time would come when we would find it in our hearts to thank you for all the pain you caused. Little did we believe we had the strength to trudge through the…

Reading had always been a difficulty in my life. All children begin learning how to read at the educational level of first and second grade, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me. It all began in second grade. Sitting around the big red table we waited for our teacher, Mrs. Guzman. She stood in front of the bookshelf to find a book for us to read. She pulled out the Magic Tree House book Tonight on the Titanic. She began by reading “Jack opened his eyes. It was a stormy night. The rain…

Throughout the year, we have been working on 3 literacy capabilities to work on. The three capabilities I chose to hopefully improve on were reading, spelling and vocabulary. I chose these skills due to my NAPLAN results and what I personally think would help me with my writing. By focusing and working on these three skills through different strategies such as completing worksheets, different exercises and using the internet, I aim to improve my writing, English and hopefully apply this…

My experience as a writer has changed throughout the years a lot. Someone always read to my sisters and myself when we asked. Even when they did not read to us, I can remember them reading around us, like when we were on vacation. My parents also got us in reading summer programs through the local library. My boyfriend and I have a daughter who is now ten months old, we try to read to her whenever we can. I enjoy reading Dr. Seuss books to her, since he has always been a favorite author of mine.…