About this site

This product of learning was created for partial fulfillment of the Master's Degree in Reading Education at Appalachian State University, under the direction of Dr. Woodrow Trathen. These artifacts serve to demonstrate knowledge gained while in this program of study. All artifacts are directly aligned with North Carolina DPI Teaching Standards.

Reading Education Graduate Program of Study and Reflection

Personal Statement and Reflection

                As an undergraduate Elementary Education student at Appalachian State University, I was required to take many courses on reading instruction.  These courses focused on language arts and children’s literature for both the lower and upper elementary grades.  It was in these courses that I was also introduced to reading assessments and how to conduct them effectively.  I found that the process of teaching reading and writing effectively, especially to struggling readers, was quite complex and I was interested in learning more in order to improve my teaching.  After receiving my degree in May of 2010, I entered ASU’s Masters program for Reading Education to expand my knowledge of the reading field. 

                When I was growing up, reading was very important in my household.  We had bookshelves full of books for me to read, I was read to every night as a child, taken to the library and bookstores weekly, enrolled in the summer reading program at the library every year, etc.  I grew up loving to read and was given every opportunity to expand my love of reading.  It was not until I was much older and working in classrooms that I realized this is not the case for every child.  Many children have little exposure to books at home and an emphasis is not put on them learning to read.  As much as I am saddened by this, I am determined to give these students a better reading experience in my classroom.  It is through the Reading Education program at ASU that I feel I have learned to successfully teach reading to all students. 

                Through my courses I have learned the importance of creating a balanced literacy program that focuses on guided reading, independent reading, word study, and writing.  By combining all of these components and devoting an ample amount of time each day to language arts, students will be able to develop the skills necessary to become a successful reader.  I now know the importance of allowing students to choose their own reading material and to be given the opportunity to discuss what they read with their classmates so that they can make recommendations.  I believe that students are more motivated to read when they choose what they read because they are reading and learning about something that interests them.  I also believe that students need to read material on their instructional level (not their grade level) in order to be successful and grow as a reader.    

                Throughout my coursework, I have been exposed to many different teaching techniques and tools that I never knew existed.  I have learned that technology can be a great teaching device and have learned to embrace it.  I now know how to use tools such as Wordles, Glogster, ToonDoo, blogs, etc. and understand the educational benefits they provide students.  These tools allow students to express themselves while demonstrating what they have learned in a creative way.  I fully intend to incorporate technology into my classroom and to continue to look for new ways to present information to students. 

                I thoroughly believe that I will be a better teacher due to the knowledge I have gained from the reading program.  I have learned to create a balanced literacy curriculum for all students as well as a variety of new teaching techniques.  I can also effectively assess childrens’ reading abilities and create an instruction plan geared toward their needs.  I plan on demonstrating my own love of reading in order to motivate my students.  My goal is to provide my students with the tools necessary to become successful readers and to instill a life-long love of reading in each of them.