Chapters 5-6

Chapter 5 discussed the fact that choice makes a difference when motivating children to read and comprehend text. The authors explained that school reading should more closely reflect the reading done outside of school when choice is allowed. As adults, how often do we actually sit down to read novels? Not often these days except in the summer! We don't have time! We read short text...magazines, cook books, newspaper articles, travel brochures, etc. The authors explain that we should advocate that more short-text instruction be utilized in school. They add that short-text is effective for teaching comprehension strategies! About 80% of the reading kids do in school is with long text according to the authors.

We thought the authors had a great idea when they encouraged the readers to cut and collect short, compelling, descriptive text to utilize in their classroom. The text could come from travel brochures, cook books, magazines, etc. Anything that captures our attention should be filed away.

Using picture books is a great way to motivate reluctant readers and ESL students. They need the extra picture support to use as context clues. As a middle school teacher, Jamie has noticed that lower level readers really do enjoy reading picture books despite their age. Sometimes they don't like the higher level readers to see them reading these books though. It makes them stand out as unsuccessful readers. It is important for teachers to promote an atmosphere of acceptance in their classroom. Although, there are some picture books that are just too "babyish" for older students. We've all seen books that include baby talk and pathetic illustrations. There does seem to be a fine line. We must be careful not to offend our older students.

We really liked the quote by C.S. Lewis that says, "No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty". A good book is a good book. Good books transcend age we believe. Any opinions?

Also, C.S. Lewis (our new idol) says, "The best reason of all to read a picture book to a group of students is simply because you love it." As reading teachers, this quote really struck us! Why can't we just read a book to our class because we love it? We can!?! That's what the authors say. Reading for pleasure! What a concept! What if there weren't so many standards we had to accomplish each year? What if we could actually enjoy reading each and every day in our classroom? Would our students hate reading so much? Would they be so bad at it as they are now? Just some thoughts to ponder! (not trying to be pessimistic!)

Another good strategy that we learned is to post a chart in our classroom where the students can list books that they are interested in. Then we can go buy those books. It keeps us up to date with their interests.

Please give us some feedback! We'd love to hear your thoughts!