I use guided reading with middle schoolers. I have used their lit books, their remedial reading basals, classroom magazines, and newspaper articles. I think it would also work with textbooks. I pull together a small group with similar needs. I introduce the strategy we will be using, model it with the first couple of paragraphs, and then have them silently read a couple of paragraphs before we pause and discuss how they are applying the strategy. Then I assign a slightly longer text for them to read silently, we pause and discuss - by the end of the passage they are reading a page or more before we stop to discuss. To keep them engaged in the silent reading, I have them use post it notes or a graphic organizer to record their thinking. For those who read quickly, I have them focus on their notes while they wait for their classmates to catch up. When the majority of the group has finished reading, I tell the slower readers to keep reading and join us when they are ready. Then I begin the discussion. I rarely wait for every single student because the faster readers become distracted if they have to wait too long, and I don't want to waste their time. Then they refer to their notes during the discussion periods. I find this works well for working on read strategies, but it also works for teaching literary elements like character analysis. I think a similar model would work with 4th and 5th graders as well. Diana _________________________________________________________________ Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser! http://biggestloser.msn.com/ _______________________________________________ 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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