Our last study group focused on independent reading...so is anybody willing to try anything new? If you are not setting aside time for independent reading in your classes, I will help you set it up. If you have decided to try it, how's it going? What are your students saying about it? How do you feel about it?
Other concerns or questions? What structures/strategies would you like to see more of next semester? What are you still struggling with?
POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT OUR NOVEMBER 27th MEETING HERE.
9 comments:
My 1st and 2nd block classes successfully completed a reading survey and had a book pass in the media center. Since then, we have incorporated silent independent reading in the class. Most students seem to enjoy it. One student even told me she had forgotten how much she enjoyed reading until this class. We have also completed class activities from the reading, such as writing me a letter telling me about their book. My class averages are improving; one class by 5 points. I will definitely use again next semester and have told other teachers to try it.
First Part Last blew me away, especially the ending. Rarely does a book have that much emotional impact on me, and I can only imagine the impact it would have on a teenager. Having two sons, I related to the feelings a grandparent in that situation would feel, both from the maternal and paternal sides of the family. I will continue to use the book as a read- aloud, as I did first semester. Those students loved it, and some actually went out and bought the book.
THIS IS MY REAL (CORRECT) POSTING FOR NOV. 27.
I finished reading Armageddon Summer—a fantastic read. How I chose this book is interesting…I was out to eat with my parents one night, and a man approached my dad and began talking dire statistics about “the public schools.” In short, he was advocating home schooling (he had home schooled his children) and he was encouraging all Christians to remove their children from “the public schools” and return to teaching in the home. Because, he said, the Bible gives that responsibility to the church and home. Because, he said, “the public schools” are corrupting our children and world through loose moral teaching. After his little speech, my dad introduced me as a teacher at BCHS; the man had nothing to say to me.
Connection to the book: Two young teenagers are caught in the middle of their families’ commitment to a radical, fundamental church that believes it knows the date of the Lord’s Second Coming. The pastor of the church takes his followers to the top of a local mountain; they stake out the area and prepare for the end of the world. They believe they will be the only ones to survive and will repopulate the earth. The young teenage boy and girl struggle with accepting the church’s teachings, the isolation of themselves on the mountain, the inward “spiritual” change of their parents, and disintegration of their families.
For me, the book has been timely. On the heels of that conversation with the man in the restaurant, I am, I suppose by some people’s view, a corrupter of innocent youth—a bad person. On the other hand, I’m a Christian, and so, by some people’s view, I should dissociate myself from everyone who is not like me and isolate myself with others of supposedly like minds. Who is right? Is there a “right” answer? It’s interesting—the shift in perspective, the questioning of one’s beliefs. I believe Armageddon Summer would be a compelling book for teens for those reasons.
I finished reading THE FIRST PART LAST by Angela Jones. It was good to see the young man taking responsibility for the baby. I wasn't too surprised at what happened to the baby's mother. I felt there had to be something seriously wrong from the beginning because the father had custody. Fathers don't usually get custody in the SC court system. Other systems are probably similar.
Working with Paula with Mary Susan's classes, you see the students getting into the reading of the books during the book pass. One even tried to not pass the book so he could continue reading, which made the other students make sure that book was passed each time so it would eventually get to them and they could read it. A good impromptu "advertisement" for the book.
The bookclub CIA-SS was a total success. The teacher cadets learned about the different reading levels and comphension working with the special needs of the students.
The most rewarding thing for most(all) of them was a friendship and mutual respect that they have for others.
Books were the tool that made this all possible.
What a wonderful way to bridge the gap between the diversity and stereotype of illiteracy.
Silent reading has been very successful in my classroom. By utilizing one of the silent reading logs, I believe our independent reading conversations (what did you read? what did you like? what connections did you make? predictions? etc). have been more fruitful.
I read the First Part Last for my book club assignment. To be honest, I have never really liked to read, other than the daily newspaper, mainly the sports page. I reluctantly chose this book, and only chose it because it was thin. After forcing myself to start the book, I could hardly put it down. Paula made it where I was not intimidated by reading, and made it fun with the book club. The book itself was relevant to today in that it talks about the trials and tribulations of teenage pregnancy. I have had a number of students over the years that have gone through this, so I am familiar with what comes with it. Reading to me now is not such a chore. I can see myself becoming a more accomplished reader because of this class.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Reading Reflection
I use independent reading materials based on the level of the French class. For example, students read assigned material in level one. In level two and three, they can choose to read different genres: songs, plays, and children's books.
A problem that I am having with reading is that it is too difficult for the level where I think students comprehend. The text says "young readers often grow by reading lots and lots of really easy materials." I have given the higher levels much easier material to choose from, and it seems to be comprehended more quickly. Also, the text mentions website lists as being a part of the classroom library. This suggestion sounds useful.
Post a Comment