Reading for Emotion
In our education system, learning to read and write has become synonymous with decoding and writing words. Yet, there is so much more to it. Reading is an emotional experience as well. Teaching students to experience, understand, and employ the emotional nuances in texts is crucial for developing well-rounded, empathetic individuals.
The current NAPLAN marking guide emphasizes technical proficiency above all else. While syntax, grammar, and vocabulary are obviously crucial, there is little to no mention of the emotional depth that a piece of writing can have. This oversight implies that these elements are of minor importance when, in reality, they are integral to a rounded understanding of literacy and communication.
Children should be encouraged to not just understand the words they read but to really feel them, to inhabit the minds of the characters, understand their motivations, and empathize with their plights. Such skills are foundational for empathy and emotional intelligence, crucial characteristics for navigating a highly interconnected world.
Beyond Mechanics
When we recognize and validate the emotional aspects of reading and writing, students can find greater motivation and engagement. They may begin to see texts as opportunities to explore worlds and emotions, rather than as mechanical exercises of comprehension.
Teachers need support and resources to nurture these skills in students. This not only helps the students but creates a much richer educational environment. The curriculum, marking guides, and assessment strategies must evolve to include these critical skills, measuring and valuing them equally to mechanical proficiency.
Conclusion
The NAPLAN marking guide should expand its criteria to include emotional literacy components. Schools need to address the gap in current educational strategies to promote emotionally literate individuals who are prepared for the complexities of real-world environments and interactions.
Read the full article here