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Re: Can you help me figuring out what I'm doing wrong?
Posted by Dottie Kissell on 7/21/08
Probably the biggest influence in changing my reading
instruction was reading "Mosaic of Thought" by
Keene/Zimmerman. It's an easy read and really gives practical
ideas for making connections in reading and discussion. My
students discussions really blossomed this year. I really
encourage you to pick up a copy.
As far as AR, our results really picked up once we got the
STAR reading test to place our students. There is a wonderful
goal sheet to individualize. I let my students stay on the
same level for first semester; encourage them to stay in the
higher level of their zone; and pass the tests with at least
85%; if they are not, then they are reading books too high for
comfort. Higher level books I reserve for read alouds, so we
can stop and discuss. "Mosaic" might give you ideas for this
also. Good luck.
On 7/12/08, Victoria wrote:
> 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.
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