Personal Statement

Growing up I was not a very strong reader. Reading did not appeal to me and I never had or even have the desire to sit down and pick-up a book, still today. I look through emails and books I have to read and get slightly anxious about how ‘long’ it is. I never really developed the stamina to sit and read for a long period of time. I do, however, realize the importance of it and not because I have become a teacher but first and for most because I am a mom. My husband and I made sure we read to our kids every night before bed. Now they are able to read on their own I see how they have blossomed into readers and it makes us extremely proud. Watching how my own children have expanded their reading horizons has provided me with a greater

Before reading and understanding the words on a page the student need be taught phonics and develop their phonemic awareness. Phonics is simply the system of relationships between letters and sound in a language, (PBS Parents.) Phonics instruction builds upon many rules and levels spanning from kindergarten to third grade. Third grade is the last year students will learn to read; they will now read to learn. As a matter of fact it is now expected that our children achieve the mastery of reading by 3rd grade.

In 2015, the Nevada State Legislature established Senate Bill (SB) 391 to promote effective literacy instruction in grades K-3rd and ensure pupils achievement proficiency in the subject area of reading. Key elements of this legislation require school districts and governing bodies of charter schools sponsored by the State Public Charter School Authority (SPCSA) to prepare plans to improve the literacy of students K-3rd grade, designate Learning Strategists to receive and provide professional development relative to reading and literacy, and implement intensive instructional programs to meet the needs of students who exhibit deficiencies in

Providing a foundation of parent involvement will continue encouragement to new readers. Adults have strong influential power with their children, and they should use this in a positive motivating way, (Knell, 2010.) It is as simple as reading nightly and establishing a routine with the child build their desire and curiosity around books. Make it fun!

Now that our children can read and we know the importance of reading and staying engaged we can better understand the value of children’s literature. Children’s literature gives kids the power to escape into a world of imagination or sometimes provided realistic characters they can relate to. They teach us lessons in imaginary settings or even help teach everyday lessons in realistic, yet age appropriate, settings.

Good…great books are everywhere. There is nothing more exciting to me as both a mom and now a teacher to hear a child express their interest in wanting to read. I’d rather argue with a child to put the book down to eat dinner, go to bed or listen to me in class vs having the constant challenge of trying to get them to pick one up for pleasure let alone a specific