"Because words are essential in building the thought connection in the brain, the more language a child experiences – through books and through conversation with others, not passively from television – the more advantaged socially, educationally, and in every way that child will be for the rest of his life" (Mem Fox)

When I read those words, the song by Johnny Nash immediately sprang to mind "I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all the obstacles in my way."

The understanding that language has the power to propel or stifle a child's achievement is a simple yet complicated thought. I think of how I work with my students and the benefits I see in their growth of self, as they begin to recognise the potential I've seen in them all along.

So often I wish I could take them home with me. But as my mentor used to say 'What happens in the home, does not negate what you have to accomplish here in the class." And she was so right.

Language is the bridge between here and there. It provides the common link between things that seem different. If I create chances for students to talk to each other, about their reading and their writing, I promote collaboration and collegiality.

Carol Lyons wrote "Learning is about change, and change is about increasing and deepening our understanding so we can accept, reject, or question our knowledge."

"Reading may be the single largest source of vocabulary growth" (Beck,41). Providing students with multiple opportunities, through varied reading materials, will assist them, in deepening comprehension and understanding the generative nature of words. Thinking deeply about my practices will promote deeper thinking in my students.

So it is through my instructional practices, where I must give them opportunities to develop their language skills.

"It's gonna be a bright, bright, bright, sun shiny day."

One of many

His hand is under his chin

Yet his gaze is unfocused.

He picks up his pen and

Begins the task of writing.

He flexes his fingers -

Crackling out the feeling of cramp.

He’s not been writing long

But

To him, any time spent writing is TOO long.

He glances over to his friends

And then stares up at the clock.

“Isn’t it over yet?” his mind seems to scream

Large brown eyes

Eagerly waiting for the sound of the bell

The sound of freedom

If only he’d be so eager to learn.

There is so much work I still have to do.

Helen Paynter

27.01.09