1. I was a good reader and still hated round robin for 2 reasons. 1. I
was very shy 2. It took so long that it kept me from getting into the
story. I just couldn't wait. I had great role models. Both parents were
avid readers. My mother didn't have enough time when I was young (she
had 5 kids) but her book sat waiting for her with its bookmark holding
her place. My father was always reading something and our trips to the
library were our binding time. At first he would help me find my way
through the stacks to something I loved but as I grew familar with the
libraries in town, I would find some books and curl up with one while
he hunted for his own. I remember loving series books. I read Nancy
Drew, Hardy Boys, Ivy Sisters, Bobsie Twins and Honey Bunch. I loved
being familar with the characters.
2. I think that our enthusiasm for books is contagious. My class is
filled with hundreds of books that I have purchased for my students to
share. They get really excited when I say I've found a new book by one
of their favorite authors. When I am reading aloud and it's time to
stop and they beg for one more chapter, I know I am getting them
excited about reading.
3. Recently in a faculty meeting we were discussing science inquiry.
One of the teachers said, "How do you get kids to wonder?" I piped up
that kids are naturally curious and that we need to do our best not to
squelch it but to build on it. I think that some of our assignments and
"rituals" in the classroom kill kids' interest in reading. For example,
at our middle school, the students are required to read 25 books over
the year. It is reflected in their grade, they complete the same book
report format over and over. A 300 page book counts the same as a 89
page book so you know what the kids choose. Many make their selections
on the pages not on their interest. It makes me crazy but there is no
talking to them. OY!! They also use Accelerated Reader there like it is
the end all be all.
Sue
-----Original Message-----
From: jvma...@comcast.net
To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group
<mosaic@literacyworkshop.org>
Sent: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 12:52 pm
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] (Book Whisperer) Book Discussion Post
Okay, I've read the intro online and (against my better judgment)
ordered the
book.
1) Think about your history as a reader. Recall a book that sticks out
in your
mind and complete the following:
Title: Half Magic
Author: Edward Eager
Give two reasons why the book is important to you: Half Magic was one
of the
books I picked up from the library the summer after 5th grade. I read,
I went to
the library, I read...but I'd never experienced the joy of reading
until Half
Magic. To this day I am grateful to Edward Eager for showing me the
magic of
reading. This book also taught me a lot about series. I discovered the
joy of
familiarity and the disappointment of the next one not being quite as
good as
the first.
2) Donalyn advocates for teaching children to "love" reading. Take a
critical
look at your classroom and ask yourself to what extent you have created
an
environment that celebrates reading in an authentic way such as
described in the
introduction.
Shirley Brice Heath wrote, "children become literate by establishing a
bonded
relationship with a joyfully literate adult." I want to be that adult
for my 5th
graders.
3) Open response to the introductory remarks.
I am concerned about Miller's statement that the book may only be a
"validation." I hesitated about ordering it; I hope it has something
new to
offer.
Judy
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