[MOSAIC] Nancy Atwell

[Renee]

On Jun 2, 2007, at 7:21 AM, The Simants wrote:

>  This spring I read Nancy Atwell's
> "The Reading Zone" and am now very confused!
>    Her basic premise is about your top-down/bottom-up debate.
> Atwell suggests that children learn to comprehend fiction by READING! 
> She suggests getting the right book in a child's hands is the singular 
> most important component to their learning to comprehend.  She feels 
> strategies such as making connections teach our children to be 
> segmented distracted readers. She feels that when a reader enters 'the 
> zone"
> of a great story comprehension will follow.  She feels teaching 
> strategies is only necessary when reading nonfiction.
>    Has anyone else read this book?  What are your thoughts?

I have not read this book but it sounds like one I would like. While I 
personally would not make a black/white statement like this, I find it 
refreshing and stimulating. I tend to agree with the statement, overall 
and in general, just from my experience in the classroom.

Sounds to me like Nancie Atwell was teaching in the early 90s before 
people went all kookoo over deconstructing reading strategies.

I have always said that we learn to read by reading. I would add that 
we learn more about thinking by talking about what we read.

:-)
Renee


Deep down we must have real affection for each other, a clear 
realization or recognition of our shared human status.  At the same 
time, we must openly accept all ideologies and systems as a means of 
solving humanity's problems.  One country, one nation, one ideology, 
one system is not sufficient.
~ The Dalai Lama