I believe that one of the biggest contributing factor in developing good readers (in terms of fluency, critical thinking, etc.) is that students have enough time to read. While I see both of my Language Arts classes for several blocks each week, I want them to read outside of class. They have a library time each week and they seem to spend most of that time trying to figure out how to get out of the library.
Our librarian, beginning to get frustrated with them, searched for an idea to make them want to read. No, we didn't bribe them with gifts, cash, or extra recess! We came up with the "Passport to Reading". We gave them a goal and we gave them choices. We came up with the required genres that we would like them to read (including a free choice or two), they will choose the order and they can read the stories that interest them.
After they read their selected novels, I will have them fill out a "book talk" sheet with basic information including what they liked and/or didn't like about the book and if they would recommend to another student. To meet curriculum requirements, they will then present a short live "book talk" to the class. After completing this requirement, they will get their passports stamped. Each passport entry (both their summary sheet and their live book talk) will earn them points for class. They'll have the rest of the school year to work on their passports and if they read above and beyond their goals, they can earn chances for extra prizes at the end of the year.
They seem really excited about this new activity. I hope we can keep that great spirit going for a few more months!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
It's My Journey
I've really struggled with where to take the direction of this blog. Technology resources, teaching experiences, professional development, or my personal educational journey? I guess it really doesn't matter. All of these topics are important to me. They are what I've built my career on. My job isn't just a job, its my career. Finding technology resources, learning more everyday about best practices in education, sharing my enthusiasm with other teachers and learning from them, deciding on the next path on my journey...all part of my career. So, I guess it's ok to jump around and talk about what is important to me, it's my blog, after all.
So, while I don't really know if anyone in the blogosphere is reading...it really doesn't matter. This blog is an important part of my educational journey.
So, while I don't really know if anyone in the blogosphere is reading...it really doesn't matter. This blog is an important part of my educational journey.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Books We're Reading...January 2010
My 5th graders recently finished a Literature Circle with Newbery Award winners. They read A Long Way From Chicago, Holes, Rules, The Princess Academy, and Ginger Pye. I'm always excited when they get excited about a book. Some are now reading books that they didn't choose for their Literature Circle. Some are exploring sequels to their books. Some even bought their own copy to keep at home! They are reading and I love it!!
The 6th graders also recently finished a Literature Circle. Their focus was on the mystery/survival theme. Their novels included: Among the Hidden, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, The Westing Game, and Hatchet. One of my students has decided to continue reading the Among the Hidden series (Margaret Peterson Haddix). Another student has decided that he likes how Gary Paulsen writes and has borrowed a couple of his books from the classroom library.
I don't think I would necessarily classify many of these students as reluctant readers. Many certainly didn't think they enjoyed reading at the beginning of the school year. They thought it was a requirement of school that they trudged through regularly. I wanted them to have some control over what they were reading, while still reading quality novels with good themes, writing styles, etc. The Literature Circle has made that possible. It's totally time consuming and totally worth it. They handle their "book discussions" like professionals. I'm so proud of what they've done and we're only 4 months in to the school year.
The 5th grade will take a couple of weeks to hit a genre study in their reading text. The 6th grade will spend the month of January reading Flush by Carl Hiaasen.
I'll keep you posted on their progress! As for me, I'm trying to read some of the Newbery Nominees for 2010. Those awards are handed out later in January by the American Library Association.
The 6th graders also recently finished a Literature Circle. Their focus was on the mystery/survival theme. Their novels included: Among the Hidden, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, The Westing Game, and Hatchet. One of my students has decided to continue reading the Among the Hidden series (Margaret Peterson Haddix). Another student has decided that he likes how Gary Paulsen writes and has borrowed a couple of his books from the classroom library.
I don't think I would necessarily classify many of these students as reluctant readers. Many certainly didn't think they enjoyed reading at the beginning of the school year. They thought it was a requirement of school that they trudged through regularly. I wanted them to have some control over what they were reading, while still reading quality novels with good themes, writing styles, etc. The Literature Circle has made that possible. It's totally time consuming and totally worth it. They handle their "book discussions" like professionals. I'm so proud of what they've done and we're only 4 months in to the school year.
The 5th grade will take a couple of weeks to hit a genre study in their reading text. The 6th grade will spend the month of January reading Flush by Carl Hiaasen.
I'll keep you posted on their progress! As for me, I'm trying to read some of the Newbery Nominees for 2010. Those awards are handed out later in January by the American Library Association.
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Year...Happy 2010
I always seem to have big ideas and then life has a way of consuming all of your time and the big ideas get smaller and smaller. I had every intention of continuing to blog about things technological...wellllll...three kids, two of whom have started in a new school, one who has started preschool, numerous family issues, and various assorted new job tasks have piled up and the time I had hoped I could spend changing the world with my blog has disappeard.
With the beginning of the new school year, I began to teach not only the technology portion of our school curriculum, but also Language Arts to grades 5 and 6. It has been fun, challenging, and has kept me busier than I could've imagined. That, together with a complete break down of several key components of our school network, has nearly plunged me into the abyss of a depression.
So, as we begin a new year, I am hopeful again that I can use this platform to expand my personal learning network and continue to engage myself in new ideas for my colleagues and my students.
With the beginning of the new school year, I began to teach not only the technology portion of our school curriculum, but also Language Arts to grades 5 and 6. It has been fun, challenging, and has kept me busier than I could've imagined. That, together with a complete break down of several key components of our school network, has nearly plunged me into the abyss of a depression.
So, as we begin a new year, I am hopeful again that I can use this platform to expand my personal learning network and continue to engage myself in new ideas for my colleagues and my students.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
