Shifting The Balance: K-2

This is one book that I should have read long ago. I love the “centric” approach of the authors as they look deeper into ‘reading’. In the current climate when “MSV” (the 3-cueing system of meaning-structure-visual) is a taboo, it is interesting to note that instead of dismissing it, Jan and Kari focus on the visual (i.e. the orthographic information) first, followed by meaning and structure (V->MS), which makes complete sense.

Another part that I found interesting is the statement that by eighth grade, “nearly all of the reading comprehension differences between readers can be attributed not to differences in decoding but to differences in listening comprehension” and that one way to improve listening comprehension is through oral language development and knowledge development through regular read-alouds and use of complex vocabulary – which brings me back to my pet peeve that many upper elementary teachers do not read aloud enough every day.

Now back to reading this book cover to cover once again and soaking in all the learning from this gem…