I don't know how long you have been teaching, Sweetie, but if you have
5 years or less there is still lots of time to learn. The fact is
children need a blending of several methods. It isn't a case of
either or. It's a step by step process. You didn't mention what
grade you taught either. For first graders, phonics first helps them
easily blend sounds where they can figure out the word themselves.
Along with this a good teacher would take the word and write it in a
complete sentence. They would learn phonics concurrently with
contextual clues. And good teachers would also introduce writing in a
way that interest children such as the themes you are talking about.
They would write decent well constructed sentences.

You don't just throw fun, themes at them and expect them to magically
be able to read and write. It would be nice but it isn't reality.
You can ask the 5th and 6th grade teachers who receive children who
can't read and write what their opinions of this is. Thematic
teaching has its place but a solid foundation must come first.

One thing for sure fun and games is much easier for the teacher.
However, along with the kids and the parents upper grade teachers pay
the price.

Think about it, Sweetie. Keep your eyes open. You just might learn
something.

> Conspiracy--Let's not forget the all knowing Pacing Guide! This
> allows for no review nor slowing down for anyone who does not get
> something the first time around. We hurry up and leave most in the
> the dust.
>
> Good teaching takes time. We need to be able to teach thematically
> and holistically so that children understand why they are learning
> and in a way they understand--creatively, hands on, and with lots of
> fun! Teaching in isolation is simply rote learning--not true
> knowledge. Children are not numbers on a test. They do not all learn
> the same way nor in the same time frame (As parents...think when each
> of your children learned to walk and talk--each child is different.
> I can't understand why as teachers we cannot fight this together. Why
> are we allowing this to take over our schools?

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