Agreed, Sally! I've been using Atwell's reading response journals for years, with wonderful success. Although it is a LOT of work for me---I have 3 reading classes (85 students) this year---I learn so much about my students' reading, thinking, writing, and what makes each child "tick," that it's, hands-down, one of the best ideas I've "borrowed." My 6th graders are always eager to read what I've written in their journals, and quietly curl up in their seats to read my words in private. That's what reading is all about---readers sharing books. Barbara/6th/FL
-----Original Message----- On Behalf Of thomas And again, by writing actual letters back and forth about their reading, the kids and I became in a way more equal in sharing our love of, frustration with, questions about books. This is Nancy Atwell's approach which I used in desperation one year. It changed EVERYTHING for me. I think we cannot ignore the social nature of reading... Of sharing book talk. It's different even than having them keep their lists and write a sentence or two. They really love to "talk" to their teacher. And reading and replying to their letters (I did it every other week - each week did get to be a lot time wise - was one of my favorite favorite parts of teaching. They had a fit if I didn't get their letters back to them. Read Atwell (for sure) or read my old article in the Reading Teacher. Sally _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.