I never consider reading aloud to my students as "down time"...Rather, I feel that time might very well be the strongest teaching time of the period....I see this time as a place for kids to see my love of reading modeled, as I read with expression, and a time for me to model proficient reader strategies through think alouds...Students who might not engage in any other part of my class are usually engaged during the read aloud, so that is the foundation upon which I try to get most of my most meaningful instruction, then use this common literary experience as a launching pad for responding orally or in writing, then time for kids to practice proficient reader strategies highlighted during the read aloud during independent reading time...
"My heart is singing for joy this morning. A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things have changed." --Anne Sullivan Melinda Hawkins 5th Grade LA/SS McCulloch Intermediate School Highland Park ISD (214) 780-2325 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
