Hello, I am in a similar boat. I have just 7th graders too, but mine have been worksheeted to death and been hand-fed everything and reading means nothing. If they aren't told exactly what to do, they can't do it. Then blamed for being defiant and stubborn and unmotivated. They often really don't get it. I have built interest with LOTS of reading aloud. I am a frustrated actress. I do voices and noises and stuff. I have let them have lots of choice. I also have the room set up with couches and tables instead of desks. So the feeling of comfort and community is there.
However, I read a book not too long ago called Lifers: Learning from At-Risk Adolescent Readers<http://www.amazon.com/Lifers-Learning-At-Risk-Adolescent-Readers/dp/0867095148/sr=8-1/qid=1172523144/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2613258-6149456?ie=UTF8&s=books>by Pamela N. Mueller. Wonderful book about high school kids just like ours. Read the editorial comments. It was a wonderful book. She bases her entire book on asking the kids about themselves. I know I need to listen to my kids much more.... Kim On 2/26/07, ANDREA B LOCKHART <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > 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. > > -- Kimberlee Hannan Department Chair Sequoia Middle School Fresno, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ 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.
