[LIT] Ariticle from Voices in the Middle

[kimberlee hannan]

I've read it.  I thought it was a great article, actually.  They were pretty
much preaching to the choir, though.  I am a Reader's/Writer's Workshop
person.  I found nothing that didn't support everything I stand for.  I keep
going back to the sport analogies:  Reading is like any sport, you need to
be taught the basics, the rules, the strategies (mini-lessons,
read-alouds).  Then you need to practice at the level you are at
(independent), coach goes around and gives you individual tips
(conferencing),  then gives you a goal to aim for, gathers the team together
to discuss what happened and what still needs clarification or
congratulations (sharing).  Which is exactly what I found in the article.

I also loved the interest inventory and "rap" parts of the day.  I have
always found sharing to be uninspiring.  I decided I will be giving both of
those time this next year.  I usually just put a big butcher paper up and
label it:  BOOKS AND TOPICS TO BUY and let the kids list the books they'd
like to have or the topics they'd like more books about.

What did you think?

-- 
Kim
-------
Kimberlee Hannan
Department Chair
Sequoia Middle School
Fresno, California 93702


Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, let go of what you can't
change, kiss slowly, play hard, forgive quickly, take chances, give
everything, have no regrets.. Life's too short to be anything but happy.

kxhanna at fresno.k12.ca.us