The Reading Process

Reading for the purpose of entertainment is called aesthetic reading. When someone focuses on the emotions they have while they read instead of the information, they are reading for aesthetic purposes. The other type is called efferent reading. When someone reads with the purpose of obtaining information, the reader is considered and efferent reader. I definitely prefer aesthetic reading over efferent reading. I employ both types of reading but at this point in my life I am more of an efferent reader because of school. I have so many articles and chapters to read and many of them are not very interesting. I find myself reading and just trying to remember the information. However, some articles are interesting and I find myself becoming an aesthetic reader. Once I am out of the school, I think I will mainly be an aesthetic reader and read for pleasure.
There are five stages in the Reading Process. The first stage is Prereading. An example of a prereading activity is to have students do research on the background of the book. If the book takes place during the Depression, the students could research the Depression and the hardships people faced during the time. The second stage is Reading. Students actually read the material in this stage. People can read in 5 different ways: shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, buddy reading, and reading aloud to students. An example of buddy reading is two students alternating pages in a chapter book. The third stage is Responding. An example of this stage is having the students write in a reading log and write their reactions and thoughts to the reading. The fourth stage is Exploring. An example of this stage is focusing on new vocabulary words within the text. The fifth stage is Applying. An example of this stage is having children turn in a project such as a book review.
The four factors in developing capable readers are: word identification, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Children can read in 5 different ways: shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, buddy reading, and reading aloud to students. The reading process offers a variety of ways to read and learn in the classroom.

The Six Language Arts and Sahara

I never really thought about how many different components made up language arts. I had always just thought of reading and writing and had never thought about talking and listening. I knew that listening and talking were involved in language arts, but I never realized that they were actually one of the main components. I think viewing and visually representing should be a part of this list. Times have changed whether people like it or not and I think we should be using the technology we have. If kids are excited to learn through viewing and visually representing, I don't think we should deny them those opportunities to learn. I don't think there is anything wrong with bringing technology into the classroom. However, viewing and visually representations should not replace other ways of learning.
As a child, I remember more emphasis on the reading and writing aspects of the six language arts. I do remember one teacher middle school teacher reading aloud to us and how much my class enjoyed it. I wish the listening aspect had been brought into more of my classes. I don't really remember the viewing and visually representing aspects but so many professors use them in my classes now. I think they are very helpful in showing examples and I really enjoy them. At one point, I did not like to read because it was such a chore. Now I enjoy reading but not necessarily for school. I think as time goes on, I will enjoy reading more and more.
I really liked the first chapter of Sahara Special. I could not relate to her because I was pretty much always a good student and did not have to deal with as much as she does. I do remember kids being pulled out of class to have special help but I never really thought about it. Sahara seems like a really smart girl and I think she will eventually show everyone what she has been hiding. I really hope she begins to do her work because I think so many people would be surprised at what a remarkable person she is. I'm excited to see what will happen.