Hi, I have recently been transferred for the umpteenth time in the past seven years. It is not due to incompetence but competence. It has been very stressful but as always I somehow find the strength to deal as our union is not helpful in this particular area, even with my 29 years of exemplary service.
That being said, I have been reassigned to sixth grade for next year after having started a READ 180 program at the school. Long, sad story but I'll spare you. What can you folks who have taught sixth grade tell me about favorite books you have used with students? I do plan on using a Reader's Workshop approach and allow for student choice. Alice Cortigiano Jepson Multiage Magnet School -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Connie Fletcher Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 1:39 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [LIT] Summer Book Studies, Atwell Hi Everyone! I'm definitely interested in Wormeli's book as well as Atwell's, and I have the Book Thief. I like the idea of discussing the books on a blog... With regard to Atwell's workshop approach (Hi Jan!) I use it and although it's still a work in progress, I can truly say my students have responded well to choosing their topics and genres for reading and writing. The workshop approach definitely helps with keeping students motivated to read and write and in developing their skills. One of my biggest successes last year was the volume of independent reading. The 8th graders read an average of 20 books/student. The 7th graders were lower, but there was a huge increase the second half of the year--they finally got into the "zone," after coming from a 6th grade classroom where the teacher totally controlled who read which books in lit circles--that really backfired in my opinon. I don't think the power of student choice can be over emphasized when it comes to motivating kids (or adults!) to read and write. Connie Fletcher _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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
