Hey! I'm Kat and I'm happy you're here. I have a passion for literacy and language, mostly because of my teaching experience. Over the past 11 years, I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades; bilingual education; multiage education, and will now be going into an ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) position at my school this next school year. Most of my students are Speakers of other languages- Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and many Middle Eastern and Indian languages. Therefore, my teaching requires extra support with visuals, talking, explaining, and giving time to understand what we're doing. I don't feel I'm teaching differently. I think teaching this way is useful to all students, even those that speak English. After all, they are learning their language too!
What struck me most about language is watching my son grow up and how he has changed. The amount of talking that we do I am now seeing the benefits of, as he is talking like a "real" person now! He is coming up with his own phrases and words, after months of just repeating words that we said. He is connecting what he has heard and is now using it for himself.
The oral language children use will assist them as they learn to read and write. They will be able to make connections and apply their background knowledge to what they're learning. It is essential for parents to just TALK, and that is what this blog is dedicated to. I will throw in activities and fun things, but the whole idea is to talk with your child. They will gain so much from you talking.
It's kind of funny to me, because I am a quiet person. I may even come off as shy. I like to read and reflect and be inspired to try new things. I want to help parents see that simple language will expand their child's knowledge further than flashcards, worksheets or TV/Computer programs. Do I let mine watch TV? Absolutely! I'm in this with you. But a conversation has a connectedness that makes the brain hold on to the memory of what is happening. The language sticks. It's pulled out later when reading or writing. Language is so powerful. That's what I hope to help you with.
So let's get talking! :)
~Kat
This is where I began- An apple for the Teacher
There's not a way to "follow" here except for RSS feed, but you can follow on my Apple for the Teacher. I'll continue to link it.
What struck me most about language is watching my son grow up and how he has changed. The amount of talking that we do I am now seeing the benefits of, as he is talking like a "real" person now! He is coming up with his own phrases and words, after months of just repeating words that we said. He is connecting what he has heard and is now using it for himself.
The oral language children use will assist them as they learn to read and write. They will be able to make connections and apply their background knowledge to what they're learning. It is essential for parents to just TALK, and that is what this blog is dedicated to. I will throw in activities and fun things, but the whole idea is to talk with your child. They will gain so much from you talking.
It's kind of funny to me, because I am a quiet person. I may even come off as shy. I like to read and reflect and be inspired to try new things. I want to help parents see that simple language will expand their child's knowledge further than flashcards, worksheets or TV/Computer programs. Do I let mine watch TV? Absolutely! I'm in this with you. But a conversation has a connectedness that makes the brain hold on to the memory of what is happening. The language sticks. It's pulled out later when reading or writing. Language is so powerful. That's what I hope to help you with.
So let's get talking! :)
~Kat
This is where I began- An apple for the Teacher
There's not a way to "follow" here except for RSS feed, but you can follow on my Apple for the Teacher. I'll continue to link it.