Post: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?
Posted by Victoria on 7/12/08
I have taught 4th grade for 4 years. I'm at a low socio-
economic school with 100% free lunch.
For the past two years, I have taught all the subjects
(previously I just taught math and science). I enjoy
teaching everything, but I have the hardest time getting
my students motivated with AR.
When I would observe other classes and their AR
procedures, I was kind of appalled that so many teachers
let their 4th and 5th graders read picture books
exclusively.
So when I got the chance to decide, I figured I would have
the students read chapter books. For those who had never
read a chapter book, we started with transitionals and
moved to easy chapter books. For those who had some
experience, I encouraged them to read lengthier books.
Because of their enjoyment and familiarity with the
picture books, I let them read a picture book after each
chapter book.
I try to help them by reading with them to help them get
motivated about the book. I do NOT ask that everyone read
chapter books because I have always had a few struggling
readers that weren't ready. But with the majority of the
class, they should be fine.
I give them sheets to fill out while they are reading so
they can keep track of what is happening in the book.
However, I can only describe the results as disastrous.
Every 9 weeks, we have an incentive. I set their goals
using the chart and the amount of time we have and yet my
class frequently had the lowest number of students
participating in the incentive programs. They don't seem
motivated, no matter what I try.
I thought by encouraging them to read chapter books, that
I was helping them. They just can't read picture books
forever, can they? And chapter books expose them to so
much more vocabulary.
I make sure they aren't reading above their level...if I
agree the book is too difficult, then they are able to
check out a more appropriate one. I do reading logs each
night and give them time to read in class.
I really felt like this was well-thought out in my head,
but in practice, I'm not seeing what I would like. Any
advice?
Posts on this thread, including this one
- Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?, 7/12/08, by Victoria.
- Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?, 7/12/08, by reading teacher.
- Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?, 7/13/08, by Ima Teacher.
- Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?, 7/14/08, by Victoria.
- Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?, 7/14/08, by Kioni Carter.
- Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?, 7/21/08, by Dottie Kissell.