I spent the last 2-1/2 weeks using book clubs with my middle schoolers, and every group in each of my reading classes was enthralled with the book they had chosen. You can do this using literature circle roles or reciprocal teaching roles--as long as students are familiar with how to question, interact with, and respond to the reading. I gave each person a "Group Evaluation Chart" that students completed each time they met to discuss their book. They listed each group member and evaluated each person and themselves in the areas of: being prepared and how well they contributed to the discussion. When groups met, I sat in and listened as they discussed the book. Yesterday each group presented an oral "book review" to the class about their book, and I can tell you there were some very creative reviews. (Naturally, they didn't give away the endings!) (ex. _The Running Out of Time_ group reenacted Jessie's first experience using a pay telephone. One student played Jessie, another was the telephone (a hilarious rendition), and the third person narrated that section of the book. What imaginations! Barbara/6th/FL
-----Original Message----- On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] I still have a month of school -- our last day is June 25! I need some ideas about how students can know when their minds are wondering and they are no longer paying attention to what they are reading. From what my students say, they have this problem a lot. I teach middle school, so I'd love hearing ideas that work with middle schoolers. Thanks! Jan _______________________________________________ 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.
