I teach at an innercity school-LA 7,8 and 9. When I first started I experienced the same challenges. Reading sucked and I wasn't going to make them do it!
I think the key to motivating kids who don't like reading to read is choice. The more middle schoolers feel in control of what they do and how they do it the more they want to do. For independent reading I provide a 'reading bingo' card with choices of either different genres/ response activities/ or reading selections within the same genre. When considering response activities I ensure I have a variety of levels of thinking-using Blooms as a guide and intelligences-using Gardner as a guide. Students contract due dates with me. Each response activity is self assessed by the student according to preset criteria. Hope this helps Shelley -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of ANDREA B LOCKHART Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 10:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [MOSAIC] {MOSAIC} Middle school reading motivators Hi, I am new to the list, but I have enjoyed reading everything that has been coming through. I am currently teaching 6th/7th/8th grade remedial reading (students who are not served through special ed but who are below grade level readers regardless). Many students coming into the class have such a negative attitude towards reading --something that I continually work toward changing. Does anyone have any ideas for motivating or interesting lessons that are geared toward middle schoolers--lesson ideas/reading topics/"real world" reading/fun reading/vocabulary games that might interest them? I have a solid base for my everyday plans, but when students lack motivation, it's difficult to interest and engage them sometimes. Any ideas/advice/suggestions? Thanks, Andrea Lockhart _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
