Stage 4: Multiple Viewpoints (High School)

Students must deal with more than one viewpoint. Topics in textbooks are treated in greater depth and from more than one viewpoint. Dealing with more than one set of facts, competing theories, and multiple interpretations provides not only multiple viewpoints, but knowledge of how to acquire new points of view and how to acquire increasingly complex concepts. Study skills and practice in efficient reading are beneficial at this stage.

Strategies

1. Students should read a variety of texts.
Bergstein (2010) said sharing lots of different kinds, or genres, of books with your child exposes him to different words, different kinds of images, and whole new worlds. For example, well written historical fiction helps past events come alive for children. With topics as wide ranging as pioneer life and ancient civilizations, books within this genre awaken the historian in any child. Biographies have a way of inspiring kids. The best ones introduce famous presidents, inventors, educators and scientists in a way that helps kids identify with the person. Informational texts are also important because the child gets to know more about the world he or she lives in. They learn about natural disasters, tourism, and other concepts that will make them more knowledgeable. When reading students can activate prior knowledge to better understand the text.

2. Engage students in formal and creative writing.

According to Bergstein (2010), statistics show that reading helps develop your writing skills, but writing helps develop your cognitive growth, organizational abilities, and the power to influence others through persuasion.  In short, writing powers the brain. Studies show that children who practice creative writing more often are generally better in other subjects too like math, science, and languages. Challenging themselves to come up with creative thoughts and problem solve, builds the confidence and discipline students need to succeed in all areas of life. Bergstein (2010) summarized four benefits of creative writing:

Imagination and Creativity

Creative writing encourages kids to exercise their creative minds and practice using their imaginations. It improves their ability to come up with alternatives. This broadens their thought processes, which can lead to success in many areas, including problem solving and analysis.

Self-Expression 
Children often have difficulty understanding and expressing how they feel. Through writing, children have a safe place to explore, and this can be a highly beneficial tool for expressing their feelings.

Self-Confidence 
Writing gives children more opportunity to assert themselves and their opinions and develop their “voice.”  These developments can really strengthen their self-confidence.

Communication And Persuasion SkillsA well-written piece involves a lot of thought, planning, organization, and use of language to get a point across. What great practice for kids at laying out their thoughts and trying to clearly convince someone of their point of view.

3. Study words and word-parts

Zorfass (2014): When students engage in "word analysis" or "word study," they break words down into their smallest units of meaning — morphemes. Discover effective strategies for classroom word study, including the use of online tools, captioning, and embedded supports to differentiate instruction. When students engage in "word analysis" or "word study," they break words down into their smallest units of meaning — morphemes. Each morpheme has a meaning that contributes to our understanding of the whole word. As such, students’ knowledge of morphemes helps them to identify the meaning of words and build their vocabulary. The ability to analyze words is a critical foundational reading skill and is essential for vocabulary development as students become college and career ready.

Journal Entry

You will reflect freely on what you have learnt in your journals.

I expect to see a minimum of 20 journal entries by the end of this course.