Recent Changes

Chapter 1 & 2: Discussion 3
In response to cshaw81, I like the idea of getting procedures in place and taking it from there. As we all know, the procedural part is so important in terms of running a smooth classroom and introducing an endeavor such as this will take all the cooperation we can get.

Chapter 1 & 2: Discussion 3
In response to wagoner1632, I think that when some interest in the routine lags, beginning the clubs would be a way to rejuvenate the students.

Chapter 1 & 2: Discussion 3
Again, being new to Kindergarten, my first job will be to assess my students, their levels, needs and go from then in order to make a good decision when to begin. I think a lot of routine and modeling will be taking up much of my time at the beginning of the year. I would hope to start by the 2nd quarter.

Chapter 5 & 6: Discussion 1
In response to bpj10315, I also use a reading stamina chart at the beginning of the year for independent reading as well as for partner reading. It really helps the students have something to work towards and it actually defines the time for them do they don't feel like they are reading for SO long.

Chapter 7 - 9: Discussion 4
In response to psmyers, I think it is so important that young children start to study characters at young ages. I love how you pointed out that primary character study is powerful since it provides such a strong foundation and would make character work seem easy and natural by third grade when the standardized testing starts. We just need to get their minds thinking in the right direction as early as we can.

Chapter 7 - 9: Discussion 4
I would start with non-fiction book clubs. Kids love fact books and I think it would be the easiest for them to start out with. There are plenty of fact books in the school libraries at all reading levels. After fact books, I would move on to character studies. These studies would require deeper thinking and higher level comprehension. I would start with characters that the children already know a lot about. We are trying to set them up for success and show them that reading clubs can work!

Chapter 7 - 9: Discussion 3
Week one of reading clubs is about working together (partners with extra support from teacher) and learning how to read and talk together about the books. During week one, the teacher is teaching quick mini lessons on strategies that are helpful with the genre. Week two and three are different because the children have a feel for how the partnerships work are ready to go deeper. They are talking about how the books make them feel and making connections. They are comparing and contrasting books in their basket. The teacher knows what worked and what didn't work the week before, so she is proactive in her mini lessons and will reteach if necessary.

Chapter 7 - 9: Discussion 2
During week one, the teacher will be giving lots of support and feedback to the group. It is a great time for the teacher to share things that she sees working in other groups. The partnerships are practicing reading and talking with meaning. Lots of exploring of the books is going on and the partners are using strategies to read tricky parts and figure out vocabulary. Hopefully during their discussions, they will be making connections with the literature and connecting with each other. At the end of the week there should be a little time for reflection on what worked and what didn't work. I think the teacher or certain groups should share some of this info with the class.

Chapter 7 - 9: Discussion 1
When getting your classroom ready for Reading Clubs, you need to allow some TIME to prepare the students and draw them in. Collins states that it is worth it to spend a week or more "preparing the students and whetting their appetites." During this week we need to "surround" them in the genre that will be studied. We use the books in read aloud, shared reading and all components of balanced literacy. Start building a special "collection" of texts that fit the genre that will be studied. The collection will be kept in a special spot in the room. The time that we spend prepping the kiddos and introducing the genre will make their reading clubs run smoothly. I think Reading Clubs would be a disaster without all of this prep work.

Chapter 7 - 9: Discussion 4
In response to stdaah19 I like the ABC book club for the beginning of year, too. After reading this book I can't wait so I have alot different ideas for book clubs. The author had many good ideas.