“The single most important activity for building these understandings and skills essential for success appears to be reading aloud to children” (Wells 1985; Bus, Van Ijzendoorn, and Pellegrini 1995).
“It is the talk that surrounds the storybook reading that gives it power, helping children to bridge what is in the story and their own lives” (Dickinson and Smith 1994; Snow et al. 1995).
“Classrooms that provide children with regular opportunities to express themselves on paper, without feeling too constrained for correct spelling and proper handwriting, also help children understand that writing has real purpose” (Graves 1983; Sulzby 1985; Dyson 1988).
Viji,I read your blog where you cited the following:
ReplyDeleteClassrooms that provide children with regular opportunities to express themselves on paper, without feeling too constrained for correct spelling and proper handwriting, also help children understand that writing has real purpose” (Graves 1983; Sulzby 1985; Dyson 1988).
Keeping in mind that these authors were writing about a period when children's medium for expression was "on paper", the possibilities for free expression now are tremendous. Our children now have technology that does not "constrain" them to the limits of handwritng and spelling.The spell checkers on computers correct their spelling for them.Oppportunities for exploring the "real purpose " for writing are now possible. Children could maximise their potential to have dialogue through written expression by using computer technology. Technology such as Wikis and Blogs allow them to share their work with an audience.This should be the ultimate goal of any form of expression ,to communicate and to be heard.So not only are they empowered to be creative but also, they are given a voice to "verbalise" their ideas through print.