[MOSAIC] Comprehension in general

[Joy]

Does anyone remember the Language Experience literacy model? You do something with the students, they do an art project based on their experience, write about their experience, and read a book connected to the experience. (Maybe I have it backwards or inside out, or something.) Can you take field trips? Take them to a bakery or a factory so they can witness something being manufactured. If you can't take them there, maybe you could rent one of those videos like Mr. Rogers used to show (Crayola factory was my all time favorite, but I can remember lots of other ones we saw when I was growing up, I think one the boys liked in high school was about how they make steel - lots of fiery cauldrons, etc!)
   
  Maybe they could take apart an old computer, or some other complicated piece of equipment. Maybe they could do a David Letterman type stunt where they smash something with a steamroller. I don't know, I'm just throwing wild ideas out there. Find something they can be passionate about. Get permission to show them something that will make them sit up and take notice. How about something on You Tube? How about showing them the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam? Again, I'm throwing ideas out there. 
   
  What about getting them to write a play about their lives? How about reading The Outsiders or Lord of the Flies to them? Maybe they will see themselves in the characters! Fahrenheit 451 was another popular book - all those burning books might give them a rise! Animal Farm, 1980, The more I think, the more titles I come up with. In my mind there's a series of sci-fi books about White Mountains or something. People with implants in their heads,  living under a dome. I think some kind of aliens were in charge of the world. (Look, I'm ancient, we're lucky I can remember anything back that far!!!)
   
  You've got to grab their attention with really out there ideas and concepts. Give them something to rebel against, something they have to take a stand on. 
   
  Maybe if you show them what can happen when people don't take a stand??? Read them Eve Buntings Terrible Things. It's a picture book allegory for the Holocaust. Then read Flowers on the Wall, by Miriam Nerlove.
   
  I know you are frustrated, but keep on keeping on! You will hit something that will wake them up! I think Einstein said that most people give up right before they find the answer. You are having an impact on them, even if they don't show it - remember it just isn't cool to show any enthusiasm when you're in 8th grade!
   
   


                Joy/NC/4
  jwidmann at rocketmail.com
  How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org
   









 
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