This was probably the most refreshing of alll chapters we have read. Children learn so much by experiences. I have always felt field trips, reading outdoors or other outdoor activities can build literacy skills. In the fall my students go on a nature walk. We collect the different colored leaves and make a collage. The students had lots of fun. There was so much learning in this activity. They carried over at home. The students wanted their parents to help them find the fall colored leaves. What a great family activity. I will remember to include this next year in my lesson.
Reading is so important. This chapter was great to point out that learning can happen outside the classroom. I feel using people in the community can help develop literacy skills. Students love new people to comefto their classroom. This year we are using other staff members that have special talents. Our younger students get to have music this year with another staff member, instead of just in our classroom. The best addition to our elementary has been a librarian. She has been great to read and do activities with the students. They get to check out books from our library. My students really look forward to library day. They can go each day and check out books. She has also planned special events throughout the school year. This week was about Dr. Seuss. My class surprised her by wearing Cat in the Hat hats. She was excited and had her picture taken with them. The students' faces were beaming. Our librarian got to order a lot of new books. She especially looked for books for the younger students as well as the older students.
I feel this chapter gave many ideass to create opportunities to build literacy. A student can broaden their word knowledge through print, whether inside or outside of the classroom.