Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

I have been entrusted with the task of teaching reading to students at my elementary school. The students don't have a good command of spoken English so it will probaby be a difficult task. Is anyone else in this position and what techniques worked for those who have taught reading skills to children? I thought the following would work best,

1. Teach the alphabet, and all of the sounds of the letters. Have them learn how to write them all, and have dictation every class. (I make the sound and the students write down the appropriate letter)

2. When the students are able to distinguish the sounds of the alphabet and write the letters have them learn 3/4 letter words. (word families)

Your input is greatly appreciated.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

Hotpants · Joined: 27 Jan 2006

I also think it sounds like you need a phonics book. Perhaps shop around because there are so many phonics books on the market and you need to find one that matches your teaching style. Personally, I like Active Phonics I by Ellen Choi, Curriculum House (www.curriculumhouse.com).

I also put a list of links on my site (under 'reading') which have a number of really good quality read along animated stories on the internet which could be a useful entertaining addition to your course.

If your kids can handle phonics and basic sight words, I also like to use the Oxford Story Tree series - it's a multi-leveled reading series for elementary kids with worksheet support. Biff and Chip rock!

tomato · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:04 am Post subject:

If what Piaget tells us is true, younger kids can think of only one variable at a time.
If reading teachers realized this, their job would be a lot easier.

First, make up all the sentences you can think of about the cat who sat on a rat.
Then make up all the sentences you can think of about the hag with rags in a bag.
If you prefer the alliteration route, make up all the sentences you can think of about Pam who pats a pan.

Textbook publishers are probably afraid to publish anything like this because the naive public wants something jam-packed with material. Unfortunately, though, jam-packing a student could entail loading that student with more than he could handle.

If you can't find anything already canned, make the materials yourself.
A teacher without a textbook is like a fish without a bicycle.

Canadian Club · Joined: 12 Aug 2006

I second the phonics route... get a good book and some big flash cards.