Monday, September 26, 2011

Authentic and Inauthentic Texts

When children are learning how to read, the types of things that they are reading are very important in the process. When a child is genuinely interested in what they are trying to read about, they are much more likely to try harder to decode the text and try to make meaning from the words on the page. They are entranced by the story and the characters which allows for them to take more chances while trying to read. When children take more chances, they are more likely to figure things out on their own rather than having to ask an adult how to say every other word on the page. This is what some would consider an authentic text; A text that a child can read with purpose and interest. When children and adults read authentic text, they add life and emotion to the words that they are reading. It creates a very rich and strong experience when children are able to do this for the first time and they can develop a love for reading.

When children are learning how to read in school it is very common that they are taught with inauthentic texts. Stories and books that have no meaning or emotion behind the words. They are merely letters jumbled together meant to be decoded by children in hopes that they will soon understand the inner workings of reading and writing. When children are presented with these types of texts, they are uninterested and are more likely to find reading dull or difficult to learn. If we want to make reading fun and exciting for children, adults and teachers must remember to try to incorporate authentic text into the process as much as possible. This will make for much easier and enjoyable learning for everyone.

4 comments:

  1. Children should be encouraged to find books they enjoy. Teachers should make reading something children love.Picking out the right books for children is an important task. The right book will inspire creativity and a love of literacy.

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  2. In another class we recently talked about how just one book can be the spark that inspires a struggling child to really enjoy reading. Teachers should be patient and persistent in helping individual children choose meaningful books, because they will eventually find just the right thing.

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  3. I think that this concept of "authenticity" is what makes a really great, effective teacher. Many of the traditional ways of instruction and assessment, such as taking tests, is not authentic at all and as a result is not "real" for students. In order to make meaning, it is really important for children to be given authentic experiences and that begins with a creative teacher.

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  4. I absolutely agree with your point. When adults and children read authentic text, they can feel emotionally and have meaningful experiences. Those experiences will help children's life and future. Schools and teachers should think about what ways they can provide authentic and meaningful text for children.

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