On another listserv, some of us are talking about George Lakoff's book. In it he talks about how political dialogue shapes our thoughts by the frames that surround it. Apparently the mind set of the separation of whole language and phonics has framed some thinking by some posters here. Whole language teachers have been stating and restating the point that whole language includes phonics. Several whole language teachers have posted that whole language includes phonics, and yet people are still repeating that they are exclusive of each other. Since this is a list about comprehension, I think this is a perfect example of how to tackle this kind of problem if it was in our classroom. What strategies should be used to help increase understanding? And as whole language teachers, do any of you have any ideas of how we can reframe this long held belief to strengthen understandings about whole language and let others know it is a strong and current theory of how children learn to read? Nancy In a message dated 7/23/2009 12:54:07 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
I have been reading the responses to your question. I think we need a balance of phonics and whole language. My father taught high school English, he always pushed phonics which I found difficult at time. I also loved reading which he gave me. As student I wish I was given a balance of both. Today we need to look at the strengths of our students to see to direct our teaching. We can't use just one way to teach children words and reading. This is what differentiation is all about. Diane Weiss New Hyde Park-Garden City Park **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas for any occasion. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009) _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. **************What's for dinner tonight? Find quick and easy dinner ideas for any occasion. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?ncid=emlcntusfood00000009) _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
