Journal 4

From Table 4.1-4.4, think back what reading skills you haven't used before when you read English textbooks. Do you think ESOL learners should practice these skills (the skills you haven't used) in English class?


As I look back my reading habits, I can't remind of me using retelling skill during my reading process. However, there will be alot of benefits to use retelling skill during student's reading process.

This strategy concentrates on interpretation of the content and the structure of the particular text. Because it can involve all of the language modes, retelling can be used to teach and to assess a wide range of students' skills and understandings

Retellings are powerful tools because they serve authentic instructional and assessment purposes. Students retell, orally or in writing, narrative or expository text. In the retelling, they use the same form, style, and language of the original text. This strategy aids comprehension of text, expands vocabulary, and provides good models for students to transfer to their personal writing. Retellings provide insights into the thinking, organization, and comprehension levels of the readers. In primary grades students may use drawings in combination with oral retelling.

The texts that are used for retelling can be written, visual or oral. Retellings can also be in any of these forms. So, for example, a written text can be retold in a visual form, orally or as another written text. Teachers can read the text as students follow, using their own copies. Alternatively, teachers can listen while the teacher reads aloud, or read the text silently.