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| Pumpkins on 10/22 |
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| Pumpkins on 10/31 |
We got hit with a very early north-eastern snowstorm on Saturday night. It left us with a foot of snow, lots of trees down, no power and two days off of school! We were fortunate not to have any major damage.
I took advantage of no electricity and finally got to read my copy of "The Book Whisperer." I could not put it down. As I read, it made me really think about better ways that I can motivate my children to become independent readers. Things are going to change in Room 210...I want to be a BOOK WHISPERER!
Things that I am going to change ASAP!!!!
1. Set a Book Challenge- I loved Donalyn Miller's idea of challenging the children to read a set number of books with genre guidelines. I had to modify her goals to meet the needs of my class and we are starting in November. I typed up a sheet where they can keep track of this.
2. No more whole group reading of a story- I will have my grade level and above students read the weekly story independently or with a partner. I will sit with my at-risk readers and work with them in a small group, and guide them with the story. This will give more time to my Daily Five routine.
3. Start a weekly Reading Notebook- Students will write letters to me once a week in a journal to reflect on their independent reading. I like the fact that it creates accountability for the kids. I will respond back weekly...I hope!
4. I will read all books that I put out on my shelves so that I can recommend them to children. I want to match books with readers. I am new to fourth grade and need to become aware of current authors, series and texts.
5. I will become a better role model and make more time for reading!
I've been so anxious to read this book, and I finally got my copy. All of your ideas sound wonderful, and I'm sure you're students are loving the approach!
ReplyDeleteAshleigh's Education Journey
I just finished this book and I had the same idea. We aren't required in our district to use the basal, but we are "encouraged" to use it. So, I decided I am going to pick and choose the stories out of there and have that a required reading for the weekly "read to someone" during our Daily Five. Then I can work with all groups during that time. I'm glad someone else had that idea because I was wondering if it would work. :)
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