[LIT] What is the most effective thing you do as a literacyteacher?

[Tina Sciumbata]

Heather,

I like the idea of having the kids read silently for the 1st 10 minutes or so of class.  We also have reading time everyday.  In a.m. homeroom, we read aloud a book to the kids for about 20 minutes.  Like you, I believe that practice, practice, practice will make the kids better readers.  I tell them that on day one, making analogies to athletes, musicians, artists who practice to improve on their craft.

I want to implement your idea of reading at the beginning of class.  I have some "rowdy" kids & I think that would be a good way for them to settle down before we start, plus it would give me time to do attendance.  Also, there are always one or two kids who need help with something in the beginning of class.

Okay, so to my question.  Do you have the kids do anything after they read for 10 minutes such as a journal entry about what they read?  Or, do you just call time & get started on the agenda for the day?
 
~Tina

"A good teacher must be able to put herself in the place of those who find learning hard." 
~Eliphas Levi~ 

Tina B's Designs
http://tinabsdesigns.com