Christina, Have you read IN THE MIDDLE by Atwell? It's a classic book like MOT. READING ZONE is more or less an updated edition, and I think Nancy is a great teacher and has lots of great ideas on teaching reading. I agree we are putting the cart before the horse with strategies running the show, so we are getting copies for my reading department to read next fall.
For many, the tail is wagging the dog. We're so wrapped up in this world of strategies, that we forget the main point of using them.....comprehension. I have had more kids who came into class telling me they hated reading than ever before, and I think it's because we have lost sight of the joy of reading. I have teachers who insist on Reading logs and making kids read 20 minutes every night, but most of the kids don't do it or fake their homework logs. They aren't taught how to make appropriate choices when reading, so they hate reading. The main problem I see with ZONE, is that I don't see enough "research" to back up her ideas. The main point of the book isn't really the reading, though....it's that fact that the TEACHER MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. To really teach a reading workshop as she describes, you have to read tons of YA books. I barely have time enough to read MY books, let alone read all the YA books on the market. I use "guinea pigs" in my class who I trust and have them read new books and give me their opinions. I read a few YA books every year, but they help me a lot! Anyone can teach strategies, but to really teach the love of reading takes a lot of work! I also have issue about her comments on "Making Connections." She says makilng connections HURTS comprehension because you can get distracted from the reading and lose your train of thought. I think this can happen for some, but learning to control your mind so it makes APPROPRIATE connections makes it a VERY important strategy. I think connections can not only help comprehension, but it can ENHANCE the reading by making it deeply personal. I was amazed Atwell didn't get that point because one of the reasons she loves literature is because of the feelings she gets from reading. Making connections isn't just about intellectual connections; it's also about making emotional ones. It's a great book because it does remind us that reading isn't something we teach for a test, or for a school year, or only until college --- reading is for a lifetime. Bill _______________________________________________ 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.
