Hi Anne, I ran Readers' Workshop for most of the year- excepting when we had to fulfill district requirements and had kids reading from 10 to over 60 books this year.? Choice is definetly the key.? The favorites seemed to be in the fantasy? and realistic fiction genres.? Here's what I saw the most (no particular order): Eragon and Eldest The Golden Compass series anything by Susan Cooper The Guardians of Ga'hoole series The Artemis Fowl series anything by Konigsburg or Korman The Redwall series Hidden Talents anything by Lois Lowry Chasing Vermeer, The Wright 3, Calder Game Westing Game A Child Called It Holes Pretties, Uglies... Lightening Thief et al Guys Write for Guys Read (Scieza) anything by Paulsen Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie anythign by? Mike Lupica The Clique et al The Red Kayak I also have a good section of non-fiction.? I had one boy this year that would only read fiction under duress.? After much coaxing, he discovered Rosmary Sutcliff and her novels of ancient Rome.? They're tough, but it was a good compromise.
Teri Lesesne has a good annotated list in the back of Naked Reading, but it's geared to all 3 grades.? I have books in my room from a 2-3 level to some of my college books and my kids were reading over that entire range.? I did a Gates on them in September so I could guide them a little, rechecked in January, and then again at the end of the year.? I guess you could use a SRI if you have enough licenses. I get books any way I can.? At the end of this year, I was offering a jolly rancher for any of my books to be returned.? Kids wanted to donate their already read books for a JR.? I also look at garage sales and library sales. I just got moved again- it's like every other year.? I'll be teaching Humanities this year, but I figure I can impact their reading and writing just as much there.? Good luck, Anne- let me know if you need anything! Karen Onyx Carusi Middle School -----Original Message----- From: Alice Cortigiano <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: 'A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades.' <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:13 am Subject: [LIT] Books for sixth graders 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 _______________________________________________ Th e 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 _______________________________________________ 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
