Factors That Influence the Development of Reading in the Classroom

1.
Children need frequent opportunties to read in the classroom.
Reading is one of the main skills that children must master in school to succeed in other academic subjects. Reading instruction begins in Kindergarten. It is critical that a reading program be established in grades K-3, as these are the grades in which children learn phonics and comprehension strategies that they will need in successive levels. Teachers, administrators and parents must work together to develop and sustain a strong reading foundation.
Environment
2. A well-organized classroom is one of the main components involved in developing effective reading instruction. Students and teachers benefit from a structured routine. Reading materials, books and resources should be readily accessible. Students should be familiar with transitions during reading class.



Classrooms should be also be literacy-rich. Word walls need to prominently displayed and should contain sight words and decodable words that teachers have already introduced. Classroom libraries should be available to the kids throughout the day. Most children thrive in an atmosphere that promotes reading during the entire day.
Instruction
3. Differentiated instruction is one of the most effective methods for developing reading in the classroom. Differentiated instruction helps children of all ability levels learn to read. This type of instruction is usually conducted in small groups. Children are grouped according to data compiled from tests given at the beginning of the year. Students can move within groups as they are tested throughout the year. Teachers are able to work with small groups of children who have similar weaknesses or can challenge an advanced group to read books that are above their current grade level.
Support
4. The development of reading in the classroom depends upon additional support that comes from parents and administrators as well as teachers. Principals and school district administrators should look for ways to supplement reading instruction like after-school programs in which volunteers or paraprofessionals read with children individually. If possible, schools should hire interventionists who conduct intensive reading interventions with children who are significantly below grade level.
By Karen Hollowell, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com
updated: December 6, 2010