[MOSAIC] appreciating reading

[Theresa Gray]

I might be off base on this....but maybe it isn't the reading but the writing accountability that is the problem for them.  What if you had them blog their responses to their readings using the format that you described?  It will get them on the computers they love to use - hone their writing skills (as they are publishing for a real audience) and just might hook them.

If you include a requirement that they need to read and comment on the blogs of their peers - that will ensure that they put something meaningful up.  They really are pretty easy to create and might be an interesting option.

Here's an 8th grade book club example: http://www.ncs-nj.org/blogs/bookclub/2006/


 
Theresa



----- Original Message ----
From: Ann <skibaa at chartermi.net>
To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Listserv <mosaic at literacyworkshop.org>; ljackson at gwtc.net
Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 6:16:40 AM
Subject: [MOSAIC] appreciating reading


My 7th graders are reading at home (self-selected books) for 15 mins/daily and doing a quick summary or reflection.  I only check for completion of these logs, but I do require a parent's signature which certifies that they observed their child reading over each two week period.  

Once a month, students need to do an oral book talk 3-5 mins. in length.  My requirements are to make a brief summary and a connection, do a short oral reading from the book, and why they would recommend this book to others. I have also required they read a variety of genres.

In February, I am planning to  add a longer reading response to their reading.  They will be doing a two paragraph response. The first is a brief summary of what is currently happening in their book, and the second choosing a specific prompt to respond. Examples and/or details from the book must be used to back up this response.  Each student will need to turn in two a month.  

I will be starting literature circles in February, so that will provide students with additional reading with more in-depth conversations about their reading with their peers on a biweekly basis.  

I'm oral reading to one of my classes because we have 15 mins extra built into our schedule for the entire building for that purpose.  The other class periods are only 50 mins. long, so that really defines how much can be accomplished in one class period.  I am still accountable for teaching many writing skills too. 

I'm doing all of this and I still have students who hate reading!  Even though their books are self selected, students don't want to be accountable for any assignments and don't want to take time to read.  There are too many other things to do....computer, video games, extracurricular activities, etc....away from school. 

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to move students to an appreciation for reading? 
Ann

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