I think the purpose of the letters has been forgotten. Teachers latch
onto the Fountas & Pinnell system whether or not it works. After
several years and constant reevaluation, adapting, modeling, etc. I
decided it was simply a chore and didn't benefit my readers. I have
not abandoned response notebooks... just amended them to fit my
style, students, and philosophy.
I teach third grade and focus more on short responses... using sticky
notes to record thinking on the run and preparing for partner
conversations. I have the kids bring their notebooks to read aloud
and mini lessons and we "respond" in a variety of ways during those
times. I have a section for group work and any guided reading
responses are written in the notebook as well. We even do prompted
extended responses in a section. I strive for balance and felt the
weekly letter writing did not yield greater understanding and became
a dreaded task.
--
Becky Trieger
Vachel Lindsay Elementary
Springfield, IL
Working Together to Achieve Outstanding Results!
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