Mills, H., & Clyde, J. A. (1991). Children’s success as readers and writers: It’s the teacher’s beliefs that make the difference.

Byrnes - APA citation:  Mills, H., & Clyde, J. A. (1991).  Children’s success as readers and writers:  It’s the teacher’s beliefs that make the difference.  Young Children, 46 (2), 54-59.

After reading this selection I firmly believe that we need to teach writing and reading in a way that is meaningful to students. By teaching them in a meaningful way, we will see them rise and meet the potential we know they are capable of reaching. It is important for students to feel that they are being challenged but that they also have control over their learning. If students are in the kind of environment where they are exposed to different kinds of print and different styles of writing, they will have more learning to fall back on and recall when they are attempting to write on their own. As teachers it is important for us to create this type of environment to help nurture what they are learning, and what they could possibly tell us about what they need to help them grow as a learner. I believe Matt had behavior problems in the first class he was in due to the fact that his learning style was much different from the teacher’s. The teachers at the Child Development Center created an environment that nurtured the learning style Matt needed to be successful as a learner.