Hey,
This is my second response, so if you have read the first, please
ignore. As I didn't see my response appear on the list serve, I figured
I did something wrong and needed to send a second communication.
I am a middle school teacher in Kentucky and have been teaching for many
years. This year, because of a program I am in, I have increased my
non-fiction material greatly. DON'T STOP READING!!! I have found it to
be very motivating. These novels are real materials, have graphics, and
are often not too long. I have discovered several well written
non-fiction novels that appeal to the students. They are all under 100
pages (around 40-50 exculding pictures, charts, etc.):
Freedom Riders by Ann Bausum
Team Moon by Catherine Thimmes
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo by Sy Montgomery
Freedom Riders ?
Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman (longer)
Kids At Work by Russell Freedman (his work is generally very strong)
Hiltler's Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Certainly there are many, many more. Non-fiction has recently been
recognized as a genre that can motivate greatly. One key is teaching
the strategies to read this type of material.
I also conduct Literature Circles, and this has been a great motivator
in my class. Harvey Daniel's book is a wealth of knowledge, and the
great part is you can begin immediately in your classroom. I am a firm
believer in CHOICE and DISCUSSION.
You might also take a look at the graphics novels. There is an
onslaught in this area. They certainly target a definite population of
readers. The visual action in this type of material is a positive for
many students. The graphic novels written today certainly cover the
essential elements of literature.
Finally, current magazines also add another area to explore. Getting
students to read often simply involves finding their interests. I do
feel choice and discussion are the keys. Hope this helps.
Susan R. Feix
Harrison County Middle School
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of ANDREA B
LOCKHART
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 12:20 PM
To: mosaic@literacyworkshop.org
Subject: [MOSAIC] {MOSAIC} Middle school reading motivators
Hi,
I am new to the list, but I have enjoyed reading everything that has
been
coming through. I am currently teaching 6th/7th/8th grade remedial
reading
(students who are not served through special ed but who are below grade
level readers regardless). Many students coming into the class have such
a
negative attitude towards reading --something that I continually work
toward
changing. Does anyone have any ideas for motivating or interesting
lessons
that are geared toward middle schoolers--lesson ideas/reading
topics/"real
world" reading/fun reading/vocabulary games that might interest them? I
have
a solid base for my everyday plans, but when students lack motivation,
it's
difficult to interest and engage them sometimes. Any
ideas/advice/suggestions?
Thanks,
Andrea Lockhart
_______________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________
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.
