You do not seem insulting at all. In fact, you made a lot of
sense. What I don't want to do is have to rush the class periods
so much that I am crazy by the end of each period. Doing as you
suggest seems to solve that. I am going to give it some thought,
but I do like your suggestion. Even if I didn't, I would
appreciate your input. :) Thanks so much!

On 7/01/09, Jenny wrote:
> "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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