Becoming a Reflective Teacher of English

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Recommended: Reading and writing skills

As I reflect on my initial blog entry (see Appendix A), I realise that my understanding of literacy has developed expeditiously, from a simplistic view into a multi-faceted outlook that underpins learning throughout the curriculum. Although I had indicated an awareness of the interrelationship of speaking and listening, reading and writing (SLWR), I did not conduct in depth analysis that considers these elements specifically with the process of learning. This essay will discuss how my understanding of SLWR has evolved, and in examining the links between lectures and workshops, further reading and school based training (SBT), will reflect on how this has impacted on my development as an English teacher.

Initially, I understood the value of speaking and listening (S&L) as a foundation to progress to reading and writing. However, during the module I have discovered the significance of S&L, as an integral part of child development and learning beyond the initial formation of words. S&L is crucial to language development, which impacts on cognitive, emotional and social development not only in childhood but also throughout life (Brien, 2012). Research indicates that employers’ expectations of literacy levels in school leavers are not being met (CBI, 2011), while the National Literacy Trust claims that ‘1 in 6 adults in the UK possess literacy skills below that expected of an 11 year old’ (Jama & Dugdale, 2012:2). Therefore, it is imperative that teachers support development effectively to ensure young people are equipped for life. Subsequently, I have begun to consider how research and statutory documents contribute to the acquisition of these valuable skills.

S&L features prominently throughout the Rose Review (2006) with a par...

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...acy: State of the Nation A picture of literacy in the UK today. The National Literacy Trust. Web: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/assets/0001/2847/Literacy_State_of_the_Nation_-_2_Aug_2011.pdf accessed 03/01/2014

Lambirth, A (2005). Planning Creative Literacy Lessons. London: David Fulton. ebook

Letters and Sounds (2011), Web: http://www.letters-and-sounds.com/phase-1.html accessed 15/12/2013

Medwell, J et al (2012), Primary English: Teaching Theory and Practice. 6th Ed. London: Sage/Learning Matters

Rose, J (2006), Rose Review, Web: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/assets/0000/1175/Rose_Review.pdf, accessed 15/12/2013

Sprenger, M. (2013). Wiring the Brain for Reading: Brainbased strategies for teaching literacy. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass

Topping, K. (1995). Paired Reading, Spelling and Writing The handbook for teachers and parents. London: Cassell

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