Complex Texts Article Response

Both the single tasking required of complex texts and the multi-tasking of digital media can be caught and taught. The focus required for reading complex text can be caught, particularly first in the home setting. If parents set up time for children to focus on reading, being read to, or any kind of quiet activity, they can learn to sustain a similar focus when they get older and as texts get increasingly difficult. However, if this skill is not learned or caught naturally, all hope is not lost. Students can be taught this kind of discipline in small increments in school, and as texts become increasingly difficult, the instruction in focus, diligence and patience can be equally and appropriately increased.

The multitasking technology requires is most likely easier for our students to catch than it is to teach for this generation. While parents often have to put forth mental and physical effort to set up focused, quiet, single task activities for their children, the multi-tasking computers and devices present are more frequent because they require less time, effort and direction.  A previous article mentioned how naturally children can fiddle with and figure out technological devices. Managing the many areas of focus technology pulls on comes naturally for most students.  However, for children who have not caught this micro-managing bug, there are strategies, like prioritizing, that can be explicitly taught to help them come to terms with it.

What is most important to understand and bring attention to is that children need to be able to handle both kinds of tasks, and also it takes both the home and the schools to help them become successful.