Running Head: HOW THE BRAIN LEARNS TO READ

EDU 417 Cognitive Studies Capstone

Dr. Joanna Savarese-Levine
Lakesha Terrell
8 February 2016

Brain structures and neural pathways are both involved in learning how
to read. There are three main pathways that will be discussed throughout
this paper.
The Parieto-Temporal region is located in the middle of the brain. It
covers mainly the language, sensory, working memory, reading and writing
to name a few. This pathway is more analytical and is thought to be within
the early stages of learning. The occipital-temporal area is responsible for
the visual area and the visual area that is that is associated with language.
This pathway helps us understand the visual perception that is seen. Word
recognition is also involved in this area. The third area is called the Brocas
area and it is found in the frontal lobe of the brain. This part of the brain is
also analytical and helps when it comes to understanding reading. It also
produces language.
Learning to read is crucial to a childs success. It can make or break
them. Every child will not automatically be able to read like the next. Some
children will catch on quick while others may need additional help in that
area. Teachers will be able to access the students if difficulties exist. Some
teachers may think that attention span is the reason a child is not focusing
on reading. The text states that attention is selective (Wolfe, 2010).

The text asks the question on why two people can see the same thing
but have different perceptions of it? The brain is constantly scanning the
environment for stimuli. The brain filters information that some may deem
important and others may not. Our brains are programmed to pay attention
to the unusual. The text states that if something is new or unusual, we tend
to pay more attention to it but if it happens constantly, the brain
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gets used to it, therefore resulting in ignoring it in the long run. Lesson plans
can become mundane for children if its not switched up. Learning can be
fun. It is up to the teachers to become creative in order to keep students
interested.
A child may also have difficulty learning to read because of ADHD.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that
affects a childs attention and behavior. It may seem that the child is not
paying attention or is not focused but in reality, this disorder is continually
directing their attention to various things. Helping children with ADHD
requires at best a very patient teacher. To help the students focus, structure
will have to be added into the classroom. Structure will allow children with
ADHD to stay on task. Teachers may also find that by revising the lesson plan
to keep it simple and creative will hold more students attention that a long
drawn out lesson.

Modifications to assignments can be beneficial in helping a child learn

to read. If a reading assignment is too hard for a child, revise the lesson plan
so that is broken down into simpler steps. There is no limit to how a plan can
be revised. Depending upon the grade level, incorporating sight words into a
plan is a good way to get children to learn how to read. Once they learn to
pronounce the words and understand the meaning, it will be a lot easier for
them to grasp the concept.
Differentiated instruction is also important being that there is not a one
size fits all approach. Howard Gardner introduced his Theory of Multiple
Intelligences to show that
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there are multiple ways of learning. For example, some children learn
musically while others learn in a more logical manner.
Another way children can be supported out of the classroom is to have
parental involvement. Parental involvement gives the parents a chance to
see what is being worked on in school and will allow them to help their child
if there are any struggles. Parental involvement will also allow for quality
time to be spent with their child. Studies show that parental involvement
increases motivation, increases grade scores and make for a more wellversed child just to name a few.

Outdoor learning is also another way children can be supported outside

of a typical classroom environment. Taking field trips to museums is a good
way to get students to learn about history or science. Playing in the park and
finding different types of leaf shapes or rocks can also help teach about
science. Taking trips to the local petting zoos will teach the children about
caring for animals. Not only will children learn about the great outdoors, they
will also be able to get physical exercise as well which is good for the entire
body.
There is no limit to where or when learning can take place.

References

Santangelo V, Macaluso, E., Visual salience improves spatial working memory

via enhances parieto-temporal functional connectivity. The Journal of
Neuroscience: The Official Journal Of The SOiet For NeuroScience. February
27, 2013:33(9): 4110-4117.

Strauss, V., 2016. ADHD in kids: What many parents and teachers dont
understand but need to know., Accessed from www.TheWashingtonPost.com

Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain matters: Translating research into classroom practice.

(2nd ed.). Alexandria,VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum
Development.