[MOSAIC] Comprehension in general

[Margy Hillman]

why not use their self-interest. assume for a week or so that they are correct in thinking the world revolves around them. just make them discuss how and why -- as long as they explain it they can posit their position. i find this sometimes helps me when the going gets rough -- assume that the other side is correct and then listen. not always fruitful but thought i'd throw it out there. 

Bill Roberts <krober15 at tampabay.rr.com> wrote:  If I hadn't spent the time teaching about how to watch a movie I wouldn't be 
concerned, but I spent a lot of time discussing what made a good story. 
What made a good movie. We watched TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD which previous 
years "got". Previous classes experienced anger, shame, shock, 
excitement....this group just sat and watched. We discussed music, 
cinematography, special effects, make up, costumes, acting, genres, etc. and 
I applied the reading strategies to each and every one. I knew they were 
lacking skills to discuss books and movies which is why I did the lessons. 
All they do is talk on their cell phones, go on Myspace, and sleep. They 
all want to be famous, but when I ask what they are going to do to become 
famous, they tell me it will just happen. No plans, no goals. They all 
think they are great at whatever they do...even when evidence shows 
otherwise. They refuse to look at something they do as well done or poorly 
done -- only that it is done. Everything revolves around themselves. I 
tried to stress with the kids that if a work of art (music, painting, 
movies, etc) has been around for awhile, there is probably a reason for it. 
Their job was to figure out the reason. That's what being grown up is all 
about.....looking at things from other's viewpoints. But they are so 
self-centered, they can't see the value of anything. The things in the 
world only have value IF THEY DECREE IT, otherwise, they won't even try to 
experience anything different.

Don't recommend any professional books, please. I've read everything and 
have been doing this for a long time.....this is the first year I've had 
such a group.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: "Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Listserv" 

Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2007 8:56 PM
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Comprehension in general


>
> I have been encoutnering some frustrations as well, particularly with 
> older students. I am not witnessing much that
> encourages me in terms of discourse patterns at these levels. The 
> students seem overwhelmingly lethargic and reluctant to
> engage. It has convinced me we need to worry as much, if not more, about 
> oral language and discourse patterns as we do
> about anything else that we do. Essentially, I wonder if our students 
> have appropriate conversation skills to discuss what they
> see or read, and if this is not the place where we should begin.
>
> Lori


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