Erin Markquart
February 15, 2013
I stared down the double diamond ski run with shaking knees and rising anxiety. Based on my performance on less difficult slopes, my husband had not only encouraged this attempt, but was highly confident that I could tackle it. I buoyed myself with words like, A challenge will be good for me. This is how we get better. Sometimes you just have to go for it. Yet, instead of attacking the hill with a vengeance, my confidence deserted me and after a few choice words to my husband, I took my skis off and slid down the intimidating slope on my fanny.
The experience left me nervous, embarrassed and overly cautious about taking further risks, regardless of how small they were. It wasn't until I had considerable practice on easy runs that things improved. Simple runs allowed me to concentrate on basic skills without fear of failure. As I became more proficient at increasing my speed and sharpening my turns, my confidence returned.
This experience brings lessons that apply to the reading instruction in our classrooms. If students are struggling with accuracy in the material we provide, other components of reading, such as comprehension and fluency, will be compromised. Young or struggling readers might begin to feel overwhelmed and embarrassed when they struggle through difficult text. However, when we provide our students with reading opportunities in which they have a 99 percent accuracy rate, they can practice the other components of balanced reading instruction, including comprehension, fluency, and building an excellent vocabulary.
I never want one of my students to stare down a book the same way I stared down the double diamond run. You probably don't either. So, we need to ask ourselves, What reading materials do I provide for my struggling readers? Do they have access to a variety of texts that represent a wide range of reading levels, abilities, and interests? How do I supplement content grade-level text with appropriate reading materials for my struggling readers?
If we want our students to progress and grow in their reading ability through high-success opportunities in which they can practice the many skills and strategies of expert readers, it's up to us to help them find those good-fit books that will get them there.