Technology in English and Language Arts

Chapter 9 discusses technology in English and Language Arts Instruction. As a First Grade teacher, I don’t focus much of my instruction on teaching technology, but I do integrate it into some lessons. Also, they go to the computer lab once every other week and they are still learning how to use the keyboard and different important concepts of the computer. During our ninety minute literacy block the computer is one of their centers everyday. I usually have them work on the website starfall.com and they thoroughly enjoy it. On this website they can play games or listen to a variety of stories read to them. They don’t realize it is instructional because they see it as playing on the computer. Another center is the read along with a book. They also love this center and there again, it is instruction for them which can support their growth in literacy. Centers that are fun, but curriculum centered help motivate students to read whether for study or pleasure. These particular centers also provide reading fluency for the children; learning to read fluently in First Grade is crucial and it is my responsibility as an educator to teach them to read with ease and fluency. Another way I promote literacy development in my classroom is to engage them in “book talks.” We have read alouds daily where I help them visualize the story through questioning to build their prior knowledge. When they can relate to stories and events, they are more motivated to want to learn and read more often.