"I do NOT want to shorten my reading lessons."

I'm new here (1st time), but I have a lot of experience w/ 1
hr. 45 min. blocks in language arts. I have taught at the hs
level for 9 years under the same block schedule. While they
are worlds away in maturity, my best advice is that you will
probably have to shorten your reading. My 9th graders aren't
even capable of paying attention to reading lessons for an
hour and 15 min. on a regular basis. What I've found
successful is to not just block out the period, but block out
days. Maybe one week you'll do reading most of the class for
2 days, then grammar 1 day, and writing 2 days. Change it up
based on your class' needs. It will keep them engaged. The
worst thing you can do under a block is to follow a strict
routine of blocked out time that stays the same every day
(reading for the first hour, grammar for 20 min., then
writing...). Also, whenever possible, merge the subjects. If
you're studying verbs, have them ID them in their reading and
use them for prewriting those essays you were talking about.
Like I said, I'm brand new here, and I know from other
message boards that newbies can seem insulting, but I promise
I'm just trying to share my experience. (And trust me, I
teach in CA, where the exit exam and state tests are nearly
Biblical, so I can sympathize w/ the need to get everything
in!). Hope I helped even a little :)

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