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

[Tina Sciumbata]

Patricia,
Don't apologize for adding your advice!!!  I really appreciate this info - I need all that I can get.  Thanks!

 
~Tina

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

"Without a vision for tomorrow, hope is impossible." ~ Paolo Freire
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Patricia Sankey 
  To: A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades. 
  Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 8:45 AM
  Subject: Re: [LIT] What is the most effective thing you do asa literacyteacher?


  Tina,

  I am breaking into your conversation with Heather, my apologies.  I
  teach 6-8th grade kids who were minimal on our State test in reading.  I
  have the kids read for 15 minutes silently and then have them complete a
  2 column response journal.  On the left side they write the plot events,
  literal details.  On the right, they respond in any fashion they want. 
  I model evaluating the text one day, then the next I might take one idea
  from the reading and write about how it fits with my life, the next day
  then I might write a poem based on what I read about.  I have had GREAT
  success with the responses.  The kids are thinking more deeply and
  making strong connections to the text.  When the kids are finished
  reading their independent book, my paraprofessional takes them and has
  them retell the details to her and discusses the different types of
  responses they have, and what they see themselves doing most often.  She
  encourages them to stretch their responses to see where their thoughts
  might take them.  I stole this idea from Stephanie Harvey at a reading
  convention.  She modeled with the book The Librarian of Basra by
  Jeanette Winter.  

  Hope this helps!  I'm looking forward to hearing what others do!



  Patricia Sankey
  Reading Specialist
  Templeton Middle School