Feel better. We are ALL in the same boat. Well, I don't know what state you are in and the standards for your level. SO I will tell you what my experience has shown me happens here. I have always taught 4th grade up. My knowledge of primary is through observation and teacher's information. I have had extensive experience with Houghten-Mifflin and limited with Open Court.
CA is Reading First country. Reading First, as some interpret it, is totally phonics based. Teachers here are not allowed to go outside of the textbook and the script to teach any other materials. The phonics is the center of the universe. The belief is that once the kids know the phonics the comprehension comes automatically. That is so not true. Even more not true for second language learners... especially those whose paperwork says EO, but in reality is mom and dad lied, so their kids wouldn't get put into ELD classes. Most of the kids you are getting are what I have heard referred to as "False Positives." They call out the words very well, but haven't got a clue what that word means. They do not need more phonics. These kids don't connect that the funny little squiggles they are looking at are supposed to MAKE SENSE to them. They don't know that they have to write the story intheir minds. They need you to read aloud to them, picture books, novels, expository text. Not just once, but four or more times a day (not a joke). They need to write what they learned. Teach them reading strategies ala Strategies that Work, and Mosaic of Thought among other good ones. They need hours of independent reading every week. They need chances to read an discuss what they've read: Literature circles, Reading Journals, Reading Buddies, Book talks. They need word study options. Nancy Akhavan's new book: Accelerating Vocabulary is a treasure chest of wonderful ways to connect word study to the rest of the day. I hope you have success with these guys. The old they get, the harder it is to help them figure out hoe to catch themselves up. -- Kim ------- Kimberlee Hannan Department Chair Sequoia Middle School resno, California 93702 Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, let go of what you can't change, kiss slowly, play hard, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything, have no regrets.. Life's too short to be anything but happy. [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.
