Module 4: Activity 2

Which NRP topic area(s) or “missing pillar(s)” that Allington describes do you find to be most vital for children's literacy success? Why? 

Looking through both the NRP topic areas and Allington’s missing pillars, it is extremely difficult to narrow down the most vital areas for literacy success.  As important as many of the NRP’s ideas were, I felt more of a connect with Allington’s missing pillars.  I really believe that all five pillars are vital to success, but I chose three that I find the most important.  

The first pillar is access to interesting texts and choice.  In middle school, I began to lose my love of reading because I was constantly told what to read.  I was never given an opportunity to read things that interested me, or even read for pleasure in many cases.  In order to encourage students to read and to enjoy what they read, we need to give them choice, even if that means students need a little extra help with their chosen books.  

The fourth idea Allington listed was the use of different student groups when learning.  I whole heartedly believe in small group learning.  I think it is essential in reading, and really in every other subject.  Teachers teach in a whole-class manner daily, and individual teaching is great for reinforcement and focusing on strengths and weaknesses of each child.  

Reading and writing having reciprocal positive effects is also very important in my opinion.  I think it’s great to constantly draw connections between reading and writing and explain to students how they are connected.  I also think it’s important to show students with their own work how reading and writing are connected.  It would make sense that good writers are good readers, and vice versa.