I teach third grade and I too love to read and am intrinsically motivated to do so. I am expected to push AR and at times it is implied that my students would do better on the state test if my students earned more AR points. I recetnl.y asked my literacy coach if my top readers could read a novel during small group instruction time. Her reply was, "Why would you want them to do that?" I thought I might faint when I heard that. I told her that I felt it was important for students to read authentic literature not just basal stories. She told me I couldn't allow that. Later on she sent me another copy of the districts literacy framework, which states that small groups can read Trade Books. Last time I checked that meant a real book. Am I wrong? I have philosphical differences with my grade level chair. She thinks the basal is wonderful. How wonderful can it be when the majority of my class can't read it independently because they all read below grade level? In my opinion reading is an "experience" and you don't get that by reading a hardcover textbook where part of the story might be missing. I agree we are not creating life long learners. We are giving children the impression that the purpose of reading is to take and pass a test. It makes me so sad. Rosie _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org.
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