Tuesday 9/13/11

We reflected on our reading experiences and generated a list of ideas for making our reading experience the best it can be. We then set up our readers notebooks with five tabs.  If you did not have your notebook with you, be sure to see me to set it up and be sure to bring it to class tomorrow.

Just right books

Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, students will soon be reading books that are "just right." Reading researchers like Richard Allington believe that the key to improving literacy is getting students to read lots of just right books.

We'll talk this week about what makes a book "just right." I shared a tool called BOOKMATCH in class today.

Reading Life

Today we met in the library with our independent reading books and discussed "Just Right books".  It is important for us to reflect on our reading and identify what makes a book just right for us.  Please be sure to read for the full 20 minutes tonight and be prepared to tell us why your book is just right.  Also be sure to bring your assignment that was due today to class as we will be using it to generate a list of procedures that make reading the best it can be for ourselves.

Welcome

Welcome parents and students! It's the beginning of my second year keeping this blog. I hope you'll find it useful.

This year, the curriculum in our class will be informed by the Common Core State State Standards. What that means is that we'll be focusing on (among other things) close reading of texts, writing about texts, research projects, and narrative writing.

Also, independent reading will be a major focus for us. Often times, the homework for ELA class will require the student to read his/her independent book and to log that time.

Be sure to check back often, as I try to keep the blog updated.

Looking for a new book?

Kate Messner is a middle school teacher at Stafford Middle School inPlattsburgh. She's also a National Board Certified Teacher and the author of YA books like The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z and Sugar and Ice. Her book blog is a great source of ideas when you're wondering what to read next; she makes great recommendations for YA readers. Check it out!

Picture the Dead

Yes, I know that's a disconcerting title for a blog post. It's also the title of a book that I just finished by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown.

This ghost story, set during the Civil War, has a little something for everyone. My husband recommended it knowing that I often like to read historical fiction, and that I will be asking my students to read this genre right off this year. It appealed to my taste for historical fiction, but I know that those that like their books on the spooky side will like it as well. Also, there's a love story (but don't worry, it doesn't dominate the story!)

The title, Picture the Dead, refers to the practice of "spiritualist photography."

Where has the summer gone?

I am looking forward to the new school year and can't wait to share what I have been reading with you.  My hope is to not only post what is going on in the classroom here but also to use this space to talk about my favorite past time--reading!